Recent Study Uncovers A Possible Treatment For Autism

Las Vegas, NV, October 14, 2014 (Newswire.com) - According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism is the fastest growing disability in the United States. Sadly, more than 3.5 million Americans live with the disease.

Currently, there is no medication in circulation that effectively treats the core behavioral symptoms of autism. In an effort to find a cure, a clinical trial was recently conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and John Hopkins University of Medicine.

This study revealed that a chemical commonly found in broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can actually reduce certain behavioral symptoms of autism because it targets key underlying cellular problems. That chemical has been identified as sulforaphane.

The study was done with 40 young men between the ages of 13 and 27 who have been diagnosed with moderate to severe autism. The participants were split into two groups to receive either a placebo or a concentrated dose of sulforaphane.

At regular intervals, the behavioral symptoms of the participants were documented and measured using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist and other behavioral scales. After 18 weeks, the study ended.

The results of the study were profound. After an 18 week course of treatment, 34 percent of the participants experienced a reduced score on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. There was also a 46 percent increase in social interaction while verbal communication improved by 42 percent.

Since the results of the study were so promising, plans are developing to test the sulforaphane compound in a larger group of participants. Researchers also recognize the need to study the compounds impact on the body on a cellular level. The hope is to understand autism more clearly.

For more information about autism, contact Las Vegas Urgent Care at  702.852.2000 or www.lasvegasurgentcare.com.