Very autistic children responded to pathogens much slower and weaker. In order to defense against pathogens neutrophils produce reactive oxidants with which they can kill the pathogens. The amount of free radicals was also 1.5 fold higher than in non-disabled children.

In previous studies the research team under the leadership by Prof. Cecilia Giulivi from the Department of Molecular Biological Science at UC Davis Veterinary School has found out that also lymphocytes are limited in their function in this way. The scientists believe that deficits also can disturbe the energy supplement of the brains´ nerve cells which can lead to autism and cognitive impairment. Thereby the amount of free radicals could influence the strength of the autism severity.

The study results were obtained as part of the Childhood Risk of Autism and the Environment (CHARGE) study. It deals with epidemiological research on environmental and genetic causes of the development of autism.

Read more:
http://www.biosciencetechnology.com/news/2014/05/study-confirms-mitochondrial-deficits-children-autism
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/obgyn/research/wchautism.html