Fever may briefly alleviate autism symptoms: Study

Washington, Dec 11 (UNI) The behaviour of children with autism may improve during a fever, a recent study shows.

Fever may restore nerve cell communications in regions of the autistic brain which may help children improve socialisation skills during a fever.

Autism can limit social interactions and disable verbal and non-verbal communication. About 1.5 million Americans have some form of autism, according to the Autism Society of America.

The study based on 30 autistic children between the age of two to 18 observed during and after a fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit showed that more than 80 per cent of the children showed some improvement in behaviour during a fever and 30 per cent showed significant improvement, researchers said.

The behaviour changes included longer concentration span, increased amount of talking and improved eye contact.

''Any leads that suggest new biologic mechanisms that could be acted on through treatment are welcomed,'' Science Daily quoted Professor Craig Newschaffer from Drexel University as saying.

The study suggested that behaviour changes may not solely be the byproduct of sickness and, consequently, could be the byproduct of a biologic response to fever.

UNI