Consciousness autism

This chapter is concerned with the neurochemical basis of developmental disability which is considered here in two forms the globally delayed or halted development seen in mental retardation, and the more circumscribed pattern of disordered development of autism. A range of deficits of important key aspects of consciousness are apparent in both conditions. Of particular relevance to consciousness are the cognitive and behavioural impairments in attention, concentration, memory, information processing and social behaviour which are commonly present. Consideration of aberrant neurotransmitter activities in these developmental deficits may provide insights into the role of neurotransmitters in consciousness. 

Autism is an interesting model for the study of consciousness. The combination of social isolation, language impairment and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviours together with idiosyncratic patterns in attention, concentration and interpersonal behaviour offer opportunities for the exploration of certain aspects of consciousness ... 

If there is an association between the extent or severity of abnormal neurotransmitter functioning and the global measure of severity of autism, the direction and mechanism of causality may still be unclear (as has been discussed in mental retardation). However, neurotransmitter correlates of specific aspects of autism, such as social isolation or obsessional behaviour, are likely to be more revealing and of greater relevance to the study of consciousness. 

Recent research has indicated select abnormalities in the cholinergic system (Perry et al., 2001). Although previously unexamined neurochemically, there was an indication that the cholinergic system may be involved in autism, with abnormalities reported in neurons in the basal forebrain (Bauman Kemper, 1994). Perry et al. (2001) found extensive loss of high affinity nicotinic receptors from the neocortex (frontal and parietal), and from the cerebellum (Lee, et al., in preparation). Nicotinic receptors are implicated in attention, and also consciousness as many general anaesthetics block the receptor channel (Chapter 9). 

There are considerable differences between LSD-induced and schizophrenic S5rmptoms. The characteristic autism and dissociation of schizophrenia are absent with LSD. Perceptual disturbances due to LSD differ from those due to schizophrenia and, as a rule, are not true hallucinations. Finally, disturbances of consciousness following LSD do not resemble those occurring in schizophrenia, Sanford M. Unger (1964). 

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