Controversy Sparks as Neuroscientist Links Internet Usage to Autism
The Autism News | English
Autism is not a rare disorder anymore. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize, however, the cause of the disorder is not well understood.
Debates and discussions have sparked with a leading neuroscientist Lady Susan Greenfield suggesting that there may be a link between increasing usage of the Internet and the rise autism.
The suggestion has been remarked as “illogical garbage” by fellow Oxford professor, and while autism campaigners have described them as “unhelpful speculation” that would upset sufferers of behavioural and communication disorders and their families, reported the Guardian.
Dr Dorothy Bishop, a professor of neuropsychology at Oxford, told the Observer that she had been upset that Greenfield, in an article in New Scientist, had apparently ignored a body of evidence that suggested most, if not all, of the rise in autism was down to a widening of the diagnostic criteria and better understanding of the condition by medical practitioners.
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Comments
Julie Swift says: I have one question: How does this explanation hold weight for individuals who have had little or NO contact with the Internet or social networking sites? Does this change their diagnosis? Oh wait… that was two questions…. my, my, it must be the effects of the Internet and social networking sites! Must disconnect immediately! *groan*
