Neurological Disorders

First Skin Biopsy Reports in Children with Autism Show Loss of C-Tactile Fibers

Abstract

Louisa Silva and Mark Schalock

Autism is the most common developmental disability, affecting 1/45 children. Its cause remains unknown. Clinically, it is defined by the appearance of social/language delay, unusual, repetitive behavior, and abnormal sensory responses by the age of 3. Abnormal responses to touch are amongst the earliest and most universally prevalent of abnormal sensory symptoms. In 2013, when abnormal sensory responses were reclassified from co-morbid symptoms of two core diagnostic symptoms, the need for definitive evaluation of the sense of touch was recognized. Children with autism are distinguished both by lack of interest in affective and affiliative touch and by a generalized pattern of allodynia and hypoesthesia affecting multiple areas including the face, mouth, hands and feet.