Other Characteristics of Autism

Epilepsy is more common in autism.  When there is seemingly unlimited synaptic activity from diverse areas of the brain, high inhibition by somatostatin and dysfunctional glial cells there is a high chance of a seizure happening.  Because this influences the maturation and stability of parts of the brain it only adds to the woes of the autistic mind. 

Somatostatin is also important in producing a good night’s sleep (it promotes REM sleep).  This plays a critical role in memory.  Too much somatostatin makes REM sleep intrusive and may be slightly longer in duration.  Growth hormone releasing hormone stimulates slow wave sleep and must match somatostatin.  Overall and once again vivid memories are hard to achieve.  More depth of memory analysis is in the Alzheimer’s Papers for further reading.

For further reading: *Physiological role of somatostatin in the digestive tract: gastric acid secretion, intestinal absorption, and motility – Pub Med

As somatostatin is a potent inhibitor of gastrin release high levels of it will make an individual constipated. 

Lack of fear or more fear than expected.  These traits are formed by the amygdala partnering with an underperforming or dysfunctional hippocampus.

In conclusion, autism comes about by low dopamine levels and high somatostatin levels which impedes the development of the mind of an individual in many different ways.  Could a test be tailored to detect these abnormalities in the womb? Is it possible with this knowledge to help the newborn in some capacity? The earliest detection can only be a greater benefit as time is the essence.  Because schizophrenia exists high dopamine/low somatostatin autism exists.  Low dopamine/high somatostatin. 

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  This happens within an illness and can happen genetically even generations apart.  There needs to be a consideration also for an environmental influence as most illnesses possess this trait.  It is healthy to have mental strengths and weaknesses.  With autism this is a more difficult path to go down but not entirely out of reach.