Christine Webb, Your Health And Fitness

The latest in autism research shows that some autistic children suffer from muscle weakness.

Scientists say the muscle weakness in a child with autism points to an underlying genetic defect that is causing mitochondrial disease, which means the muscles don't get the energy they need.

So what does this mean?
  
Doctors say it is possible that the mitochondrial disease may also play a role in the development of autism, perhaps by preventing the brain from getting the energy it needs to perform properly.

Studies show that in kids with autism, about 20 percent have markers of mitochondrial disease in the blood.

Mitochondria are found in every cell of the body, with the exception of red blood cells. They are vital to survival, because they make oxygen available to cells and metabolize food into energy for cells to thrive.

The hope is that these findings may also open up new avenues of research into potentially more effective treatments for the future.

This latest research will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology 60th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Chicago.

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