Stanford Medicine scientists investigating the neurological underpinnings of autism spectrum disorder have found that hyperactivity in a specific brain region could drive behaviors commonly associated with the disorder.

Using a mouse model of the disease, the researchers identified the reticular thalamic nucleus -- which serves as a gatekeeper of sensory information between the thalamus and cortex -- as a potential target for treatments.

Moreover, they were able to reverse symptoms similar to those of autism -- including susceptibility to seizures, heightened sensitivity to stimulus, increased motor activity, repetitive behaviors and decreased social interactions -- by giving the mice drugs that suppressed this area of the brain.

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