The three main characteristics of autism are impaired social skills, repetitive behavior and problems with language and communication. Autism is often called autism spectrum disorder, due to the many degrees of autism, which range from high functioning (Asperger’s syndrome) to lower functioning (Angelman syndrome).
Recently, scientists developed a mouse model to help shed light on the uncertainties that autism carries. A study using the mice model focused on a missing gabrb3 gene, a protein important in normal brain development and adult brain function, in its mice subjects. The mice missing the gabrb3 gene were put through a series of tests to test their social and exploratory competence. According to Dr. Timothy DeLorey, neuroscientist and lead author of the study, the normal mice were, “trying to make friends.” This wasn’t the case with the test mice missing the gabrb3 gene. They showed characteristics of autism found in humans.
While the results of the study aren’t groundbreaking, they are ground moving, and with a disorder that afflicts 1 in 150, movement is improvement.
Popular Brain Tips 
Autism is diagnosed approximately once out of every 150 births, with males four times more likely to develop the brain development disorder than females. However, according to recent studies, efforts to better understand autism may be paying off.
