Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to adapt to changes in environmental influences and stresses. In autism, the brain can change and improve through autism treatments.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt to environmental influence and stressful situations. It relates to the way our brain receives,
transmits and processes information. Ideally, the brain should process information appropriately for optimal brain health and function including, memory input, emotional control, and self-regulation. However, in various neurological disorders like autism these control mechanisms do not function properly.
The process of neuroplasticity also involves gene expression (for cellular function and cell response), neurogenesis (for nerve growth and development), structural changes (for proper brain volume which is critical for proper function), and synaptogenesis (for optimal nerve cell connection and communication). Again, when there is malfunction in the communication network of the brain we have problems, i.e. autism, depression, mood disorders and other neurological disorders.
Neuroplasticity depends on various chemical mediators for brain function to work properly. Growth factors and hormones play an important role in the brain and nervous system. In autism, certain areas of the brain are often impaired leading to problems in emotional control, memory, learning capacity, and perceptions. The hippocampus (involved in short to long-term memory processing and spatial navigation which helps with memory of surrounding environment), and amygdala (involved in emotional memory, mood, etc.) are part of the limbic system. When this area of the limbic brain is impaired emotional instability, poor self-regulation, self-stimulatory behaviors and rigidity in thought and behavior can become manifest – all characteristics of autism.
Another area of dysfunction is the prefrontal cortex which is involved in decision making and short-term memory. The inability of these brain regions to synchronize appropriately adds to the behavior and cognitive problems prevalent in autism. However, through neuroplasticity the brain can adapt and change and improvements can be seen in many individuals on the autism-spectrum undergoing consistent autism treatments such as biomedical intervention including diet, supplements, methylation (Methyl-B12), respen-A, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and others. The principles of neuroplasticity are also utilized by therapist working on the core behavioral and social issues of those with autism as well.
Newer therapeutic approaches have stressed the need to look beyond just the manipulation of brain chemistry such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Although, medicinal therapy can be useful as autism treatment at times to shift neurotransmitter levels, working on changing brain function and structure is more ideal through the natural process of neuroplasticity. Research has shown that repetitive training can be extremely beneficial in autism. Therapies such as behavioral modification, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are classically employed as programs for autistic individuals. Additional therapies such as floortime, hippotherapy (equine based), social groups, auditory, vision, and music therapy, etc. are also useful in attempts to induce new and appropriate changes in the brain. The key element for all of these autism treatments is repetition and consistency overtime to help increase new neural connections and pathways for improved and synchronized brain function.
