Medicine used for alcoholism may help treat autism, researchers find

By Staff Writer

A new study indicates that a drug that is commonly used to treat alcoholism may help individuals who have developmental disorders such as autism and Fragile X syndrome.

The report, which appears in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, was conducted by Indiana University researchers. They found that the medicine acamprosate, which has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, may help autistic children develop their communication and social skills. It may also help individuals who have Fragile X, which is a genetic condition that causes mental retardation.

Acamprosate affects chemicals in the brain by blocking certain receptors associated with mental health. It is used by many clinical professionals when they are treating alcoholic patients.

Researchers administered small doses of the medicine to adults and children with developmental disorders. They observed improvements in eye contact, social interaction and speech among the participants.

The study's authors said that while these findings are promising, large-scale clinical trails will have to be carried out to confirm acamprosate's beneficial effects on individuals with autism and Fragile X.