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Model of autism: increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in key neural systems
Article first published online: 16 OCT 2003
DOI: 10.1034/j.1601-183X.2003.00037.x
Additional Information
How to Cite
Rubenstein, J. L. R. and Merzenich, M. M. (2003), Model of autism: increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in key neural systems. Genes, Brain and Behavior, 2: 255–267. doi: 10.1034/j.1601-183X.2003.00037.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 16 OCT 2003
- Article first published online: 16 OCT 2003
- Received 12 May 2003, revised 27 June 2003, accepted for publication 09 July 2003
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- Autism;
- genetics;
- model;
- neural excitation;
- neural inhibition;
- neural systems
Autism is a severe neurobehavioral syndrome, arising largely as an inherited disorder, which can arise from several diseases. Despite recent advances in identifying some genes that can cause autism, its underlying neurological mechanisms are uncertain. Autism is best conceptualized by considering the neural systems that may be defective in autistic individuals. Recent advances in understanding neural systems that process sensory information, various types of memories and social and emotional behaviors are reviewed and compared with known abnormalities in autism. Then, specific genetic abnormalities that are linked with autism are examined. Synthesis of this information leads to a model that postulates that some forms of autism are caused by an increased ratio of excitation/inhibition in sensory, mnemonic, social and emotional systems. The model further postulates that the increased ratio of excitation/inhibition can be caused by combinatorial effects of genetic and environmental variables that impinge upon a given neural system. Furthermore, the model suggests potential therapeutic interventions.