Animal models can't 'tune out' stimuli, mimicking sensory hypersensitivity in humans
Scientists report in the June 12 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience that mice genetically engineered to mimic a type of autism in humans, fragile X syndrome, are unable to adapt to, or tune out, repeated stimulation to their whiskers -- unlike ordinary mice. The findings have implications for a common symptom -- sensory hypersensitivity -- in humans with autism. "If we can understand more about this mechanism, or help push the brain in the direction of adaptation, we could really help children with autism," said Dr. Carlos Portera-Cailliau, professor of neurology and neurobiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the paper's senior author. "Currently, their brains do not mature in a way that allows this adaptation mechanism to work properly." Hypersensitivity to touch, sounds, taste and other sensory input is a central feature of autism, a disorder characterized by social interaction difficulties, repetitive behaviors and language impa...