Autism and the Cerebellum
Autopsy and MRI studies have repeatedly and consistently found loss of purkinje and granule cells of the cerebellum in autistic subjects. There is general agreement that this loss occurs before birth, probably in early pregnancy. There are two known possible causes: a specific genetic condition or an immune system response to a toxin or pathogen during pregnancy.
‘Due to the fact there is no evidence of atrophy or deterioration after full development and the results of MR images and autopsy studies, it is now believed that the neocerebellar loss occurs before birth.’ (Autism; Audrey Abell)
The role of the cerebellum is primarily in the co-ordination of complex movements, using imputs from hearing, balance, visual and muscular systems as well as from higher executive commands and emotional states.
The messages reach the cerebellum through a complex web of millions of climbing fibers, which pulsate rhythmically, generating an awareness of self in space, of self in relation to other of self in motion.
The loss of purkinje neurons in the foetus would lead to movement and balance disorders in these children.
The widespread belief that childhood vaccines cause autism is complicated by the evidence of purkinje cell loss. It points to an immune response to a neurotoxin in early pregnancy. Ignoring this evidence does not help the cause of establishing a causal link between autism and vaccination.
Autism amd the limbic system
The limbic system plays a key role in the evolutionary survival and eventual success of hominids’ (Eccles 1989).
Regarding nonverbal behavior, the limbic system’s amygdalar division promotes feeding, food-search, angry and defensive behaviors related to obtaining food;
Observer news story – August 15, 2004
Pollutants cause huge rise in brain diseases
Scientists alarmed as number of cases triples in 20 years