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Maternal antibodies may cause autism
Issue date: 3/6/08
An infant's health is at the forefront of every pregnant woman's mind. There are many factors that can be controlled - taking the right vitamins, eating the correct foods. But research on autism, a devastating disorder of brain development, indicates that sometimes a mother's body can affect a child's health unintentionally.
A group of researchers at Hopkins has found evidence that a mother's immune system might trigger the eventual development of autism in her child.
"Despite an intense research focus, the underlying etiology for most children affected with autism is unknown," said Harvey Singer, a pediatric neurologist at Hopkins and the lead author on the study.
Autism appears in the first few years of childhood, usually at four or five years of age. Some signs are visible even earlier; at birth, babies with autism have smaller brains compared to non-affected infants. About one in 150 children are diagnosed with the disorder.
Characteristic symptoms include problems with social interaction, including communication and language, as well as repetitive behaviors.
Research has shown that environmental, genetic and immunological factors can all play a role in the development of autism.
Singer and colleagues at Hopkins and the Hopkins-affiliated Kennedy Krieger Institute, which specializes in childhood development, undertook a study to look at the role of the immune system in the onset of autism.
"This study represents only the initial step in proving an immunological association with autism," Singer said.
Antibodies are part of the body's immune system. They are sent out to mark foreign particles in the body for destruction. Unfortunately, antibodies can sometimes turn against the body it is supposed to protect, recognizing the wrong substances and setting off an inappropriate attack on healthy cells.
It is known that certain antibodies can be passed from mother to child; this mechanism accounts for the passive immunity babies are generally born with.
A group of researchers at Hopkins has found evidence that a mother's immune system might trigger the eventual development of autism in her child.
"Despite an intense research focus, the underlying etiology for most children affected with autism is unknown," said Harvey Singer, a pediatric neurologist at Hopkins and the lead author on the study.
Autism appears in the first few years of childhood, usually at four or five years of age. Some signs are visible even earlier; at birth, babies with autism have smaller brains compared to non-affected infants. About one in 150 children are diagnosed with the disorder.
Characteristic symptoms include problems with social interaction, including communication and language, as well as repetitive behaviors.
Research has shown that environmental, genetic and immunological factors can all play a role in the development of autism.
Singer and colleagues at Hopkins and the Hopkins-affiliated Kennedy Krieger Institute, which specializes in childhood development, undertook a study to look at the role of the immune system in the onset of autism.
"This study represents only the initial step in proving an immunological association with autism," Singer said.
Antibodies are part of the body's immune system. They are sent out to mark foreign particles in the body for destruction. Unfortunately, antibodies can sometimes turn against the body it is supposed to protect, recognizing the wrong substances and setting off an inappropriate attack on healthy cells.
It is known that certain antibodies can be passed from mother to child; this mechanism accounts for the passive immunity babies are generally born with.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Leslie Feldman
posted 3/07/08 @ 5:26 PM EST
In addition to maternal antibodies there is much evidence that advancing paternal age is a potent risk factor for autism. The Simons Foundation website has this article discussing some of the research: http://www. (Continued…)
Dawn Dyson
posted 3/09/08 @ 7:30 AM EST
This is more of a question than a comment. We have a five year old son who is mild/moderate autistic. I was Rh positive during that pregnancy. I was given the Rhogam shot during the pregnancy and after he was born. (Continued…)
barbara raugh
posted 3/09/08 @ 3:22 PM EST
My (fifth child) youngest child was diagnosed with high-functioning autism/asperger's syndrome at age 35 and has had to rebuild his life from that time on. (Continued…)
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