Researchers discovered that toddlers with autism have, on average, a 13 percent larger amygdala than their non-autistic peers.
It appears that both toddlers brains start to develop normally, but the autistic’s amygdala may begin accelerated growth around year one and stops by year two, huge and proud like a prize pumpkin.
The amygdala is the part of the brain that, normally, allows us to study and interpret faces. When oversized, it leads to inabilities like discerning motive or joint attention. (I point to the stubble on my legs, you then look down and shave them. That’s joint attention.)
So what does this all mean? Medical science is closer to isolating the cause of autism and a vaccine may be on the way!
… Oh, sorry, Jenny.