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Fever May Briefly Alleviate Autism Symptoms

Date:
December 10, 2007
Source:
Drexel University
Summary:
The behavior of children with autism may improve during a fever, according to a first-of-kind study. Researchers hypothesize that fever may restore nerve cell communications in regions of the autistic brain. The restoration may help children improve socialization skills during a fever.
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The behavior of children with autism may improve during a fever, according to a first-of-kind study.

Researchers hypothesize that fever may restore nerve cell communications in regions of the autistic brain. The restoration may help children improve socialization skills during a fever.

The study was based on 30 autistic children between ages 2 and 18 who were observed during and after a fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. More than 80 percent of the children showed some improvement in behavior during a fever and 30 percent showed significant improvement, researchers said. Behavior changes included longer concentration span, increased amount of talking and improved eye contact.

The study was written by Craig J. Newschaffer, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Drexel University, and Laura K. Curran, Ph.D., an epidemiology doctoral degree graduate who Newschaffer advised before he joined Drexel from Johns Hopkins University.

“Any leads that suggest new biologic mechanisms that could be acted on through treatment are welcomed,” Newschaffer said.

Study data suggest that behavior changes may not solely be the byproduct of sickness and, consequently, could be the byproduct of a biologic response to fever. More research, however, is needed to prove fever-specific effects, researchers say.

Autism can limit social interactions and disable verbal and nonverbal communication. About 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism, according to the Autism Society of America. The cause of autism is unknown.

The study, “Behaviors Associated With Fever in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders,” waS published Nov. 30 in Pediatrics.

The study was co-written by Stephen O. Crawford, M.H.S., predoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University; Michael V. Johnston, M.D., research scientist in the Kennedy Krieger Institute; Li-Ching Lee, Ph.D., assistant scientist at Johns Hopkins University; and Dr. Andrew W. Zimmerman, M.D., pediatric neurologist and research scientist at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.


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Materials provided by Drexel University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Drexel University. "Fever May Briefly Alleviate Autism Symptoms." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 December 2007. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208144002.htm>.
Drexel University. (2007, December 10). Fever May Briefly Alleviate Autism Symptoms. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208144002.htm
Drexel University. "Fever May Briefly Alleviate Autism Symptoms." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/12/071208144002.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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