Could Magnetic Treatments Reduce Autism Symptoms?
Saturday November 11, 2006
Dr. Manuel Casanova is a highly credentialed researcher at the University of Kentucky. So when I saw an article stating that he had "found the pathology for autism," I decided to take it seriously -- and gave him a call. He talked with me for over an hour about his findings, and I checked and doublechecked his background, his reputation, and the research on which he is basing his ideas. It all looks credible.
If Casanova is correct, then this article, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation May Alleviate Symptoms of Autism, may be one of the first to announce a significant new treatment for many of the sensory issues associated with autism. The treatment is expected to cause few or no side effects -- and, most importantly, it is expected to have no impact on the patient's thinking patterns or creativity.
Dr. Casanova is now raising funds to begin clinical trials for his new treatment. After you read the article, please share your thoughts: would you want your child to be part of this research process?
More about research and autism:
Comments
Very interesting article. This could be particularly helpful for the more “pure” form of autism. I wonder how helpful it would be to my son whose main disability is his mental retardation? My son has no savant abilities, so I wouldn’t have to worry about that aspect anyway. As for creativity — that’s not an issue either. And he is worse with math than language! He understands facial expressions very well — no problem with that at all. So, the only advantage of this treatment for him could be the lessening of hypersensitivity — although this has decreased quite a bit over the years already. I certainly would want to try it! However, there might be some unexpected bonuses. Maybe we’re close to being able to generate the kind of communication between different parts of the brain that would make people with autism able to understand and speak language better, and understand concepts not rooted in concreteness? I’d love my child to be treated.
Cynthia
Wow, this is quit exciting. I know as a guardian/grandparent of an autistic child, I’m constantly doing research to find ways to help her communicate and act more like a typical child. If the transcranial magnetic stimulation could guarantee that the patient’s thinking patters or creativity would not change than I would consider her being part of this new treatment and research process.
I live in Louisville and would love to be part of this research.Our son is not only autistic but Down Syndrome.If we could get rid of the autism it would be great to have a child with just regular Down syndrome.Sign my son up.Just kidding.My son is part of the University of Louisvilles autism program. Cyndi
I am excited about this new research. I would like my son to be part of the experiment. Let me know how to get him into the program. I live in Louisville,ky.
Rita
We have a 4 yr old boy, who is on the spectrum. He’s very high functioning with issues with sensory issues, gross motor issues and socialization, anxiety etc. I would like him to be part of clinical trials. We live in New Jersey.