AFTER BRAIN IMPLANT, BOY WITH AUTSIM SPEAKS FOR FIRST TIME

     A 13 year old German boy with autism severe enough that he would repeatedly wake up at night screaming, as well as regularly engage in serious self-injurious behavior, responded remarkably to a deep brain stimulation implant.

     The device, which uses electrodes to stimulate the amygdale, the part of the brain affecting memory and emotion, alleviated the boy’s behaviors and allowed the otherwise nonverbal individual to begin speaking his first words within six months.

    Additionally, the implant apparently reduced the frequency and severity of his adverse behaviors, and prompted the boy to begin enjoying car rides and even tried new foods.

     Further study is needed to understand exactly how the implant affects autism, researchers said.

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