Topic - Brain Stimulation and Autism.  Brain stimulation is the new frontier in treating tremor-related diseases such as Parkinson’s and the debilitating effects of severe mental illness. 

Now, it’s being used to treat severe autism. 

Deep brain stimulation is a technique where electrodes are implanted in the brain and act as pacemakers. 

German doctors implanted electrodes in the brain of a non-verbal 13 year old with severe autism.  He had serious self-injurious behaviors that required restraint. 

Doctors placed electrodes in the amygdala and his symptoms improved.  At 8 weeks of treatment, his symptoms went from a rating of “severely ill” to “moderately ill” in terms of aggression and self-injury. 

Eye contact improved, he slept better at night, began trying new foods and didn’t harm himself as much.  After 6 months, he began speaking single words. 

After 44 weeks, the battery ran out and he deteriorated, but recovered when the battery was replaced.  There’s hope for treating autism.