Neurological collates (biological explanation of autism)

Created by: Bethany Cunningham
Created on: 10-03-13 15:37


	Neurological collates (biological explanation of autism)
	Advantages Medical advancements in technology have allowed us to investigate the structure and function of the brain to identify biological causes and treatments for disorders. Post mortems allow a physical observation of the brain. Evidence has been found by Leboyer (1992) that injecting maltrexone reduced symptoms and Kalet (1992) suggested abnormal levels of endorphins in autistics which may be responsibe for autism. Zilboucious et al (2000) identified that 75% of autistics have abnormalities in the temporal cortex using PET scans. PET scans are precise at identifying locations of the brain. SPECT scans are sensitive. Ohrashi (2000) used SPECT scans and found a positive correlation in the blood flow to the frontal cortex and impairment in communication and social interaction. MRI scans don't involve radiation and so are non-invasive. MRI scans have revealed abnormalities in the cerebellum (which controls attention) and this may be an explanation of why autistics lack joint attention. Corscheen (1994) used MRI scans and fond that the brain stem and cerebellum are smaller in autistics. Frith (2003) found that autistics have a larger head circumference and increased brain weight. Piviton (1995) found that autistic children have large brains in volume.	Disadvantages This explanation explains nature but ignores nurture. Happe (1999) argued that autism is complex and most research is based on correlational studies. Post mortems can only be conducted using consenting adults. It is impossible to establish cause and effect in relation to post mortem studies. PET scans are invasive as they can cause physical or psychological harm. Correlational studies only show a relationship and don't establish cause and effect.
	Evaluation Frith (2003) believes that at this moment results are very contradictory and when imaging becomes sophisticated then we'll further our understanding in this area.

Neurological collates (biological explanation of autism)

Advantages

Medical advancements in technology have allowed us to investigate the structure and function of the brain to identify biological causes and treatments for disorders.
Post mortems allow a physical observation of the brain.
Evidence has been found by Leboyer (1992) that injecting maltrexone reduced symptoms and Kalet (1992) suggested abnormal levels of endorphins in autistics which may be responsibe for autism.
Zilboucious et al (2000) identified that 75% of autistics have abnormalities in the temporal cortex using PET scans.
PET scans are precise at identifying locations of the brain.
SPECT scans are sensitive.
Ohrashi (2000) used SPECT scans and found a positive correlation in the blood flow to the frontal cortex and impairment in communication and social interaction.
MRI scans don't involve radiation and so are non-invasive.
MRI scans have revealed abnormalities in the cerebellum (which controls attention) and this may be an explanation of why autistics lack joint attention.
Corscheen (1994) used MRI scans and fond that the brain stem and cerebellum are smaller in autistics.
Frith (2003) found that autistics have a larger head circumference and increased brain weight.
Piviton (1995) found that autistic children have large brains in volume.

Disadvantages

This explanation explains nature but ignores nurture.
Happe (1999) argued that autism is complex and most research is based on correlational studies.
Post mortems can only be conducted using consenting adults.
It is impossible to establish cause and effect in relation to post mortem studies.
PET scans are invasive as they can cause physical or psychological harm.
Correlational studies only show a relationship and don't establish cause and effect.

Evaluation

Frith (2003) believes that at this moment results are very contradictory and when imaging becomes sophisticated then we'll further our understanding in this area.

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Neurological collates (biological explanation of autism)

Neurological collates (biological explanation of autism)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Evaluation

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