Biological explanation of autism-neurological collates

Neurological collates: referring to the characteristic patterns of brain structure and function that are seen in people suffering from autism.

(AO1) Abnormal levels in endorphins may be responsible for autism.

* LEBOYER ET AL (1992) tested autistics with maltrexone and found that this blocked endorphins which reduced autism's symptoms.

KALET(1992) believed that abnormal levels of endorphins may be responsible for autism.

(AO1) Post mortem studies are carried out on dead brains to see if there are abnormalities. 

• Frontal lobe damaged, responsible for planning and control.
• Limbic system damaged, responsible for emotional regulation.
• Brain stem and cerebellum, responsible for motor coordination

(AO2) + Physical observation of the organ.

-Requires consenting adults in order to examine the brain.

-You can't establish cause and effect whether the abnormalities caused the damage or vice versa.

Neuroimagery

(AO1) PET scans inject radioactive glucose into the bloodstream to identify blood flow in the brain and brain activity. 

ZILBOVICOUS ET AL (2000) discovered that 75% of autistics have abnormalities in the temporal cortex.

(AO2) + Precise in identifying locations of activity.

-Invasive method.

(AO1) SPECT scans are used commonly with children and this involves less radiation than PET scans. 

(AO2) +Sensitive.

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