New research suggests that sensitivity to touch, a common symptom of autism, might be caused by delays in brain development in the womb. The study looked at brain development in mice with Fragile X, a condition closely linked to autism. Researchers found that parts of the brain linked to touch developed late in Fragile X mice. Knowing these key development "windows" might help doctors find new treatments.
There is nothing wrong with this news item per se. But a common problem in autism reporting that internet regurgitation causes the loss or distortion of important details. Although the Newser account later notes that Fragile X is not the only cause of autism, All Headline News says that the syndrome is "better known as the cause of autism." In fact, only 5% of people on the spectrum have fragile X.
More important, many casual readers of the report may incorrectly infer that all autistic people have an aversion to hugs and other forms of touch. But they don't, so here's the problem. When parents first start to suspect that their child may be autistic, they desperately look for reassuring signs. If the child is physically affectionate, they may say to themselves, "Oh, he likes hugs, so he can't possibly be autistic." In such cases, they may delay seeking diagnosis and treatment.
