New research examines link between cerebellum and autism
Injury to the cerebellum could further our understanding of autism, according to new research by molecular biology professor Samuel Wang. Using the preexisting anatomical and clinical work from the last five to 10 years, Wang’s new idea merges much of the scientific literature exploring a connection between damage to the cerebellum and autism. “Brain development requires internal communication within the brain, and what we suggest is that that internal communication gets disrupted in cases that lead to autism,”Wang said. His research is different from previous research that links the cerebellum to autism because he introduces the concept of sensitive periods. “The sensitive period idea is like this: If you learn a language before the age of six, you speak like a native.
