Scientists solve hug aversion in autism
A defect in the brain explains why many people with autism avoid touching and hugs – even from their parents, research has shown.
The problem affects individuals with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic cause of autism and inherited mental retardation.
US scientists found Fragile X results in delayed development of the sensory cortex, the brain region that responds to touch.
A domino effect triggered by the delay may cause this part of the brain to be wrongly wired, said the US scientists, who studied mice with their own version of Fragile X.