🧠 New research sheds light on autism’s biological roots
- Nov 12, 2025
- 1 min read
Stanford scientists have identified a specific brain region called the reticular thalamic nucleus (RT) that appears to play a major role in autism. This area acts as the brain’s sensory gatekeeper, and when it becomes overactive, it can trigger sensory overload, social withdrawal, repetitive behaviors, and seizures — all common autism traits.
In a recent Science Advances study (August 20, 2025), researchers showed that calming this overactivity in mice using both an experimental anti-seizure drug (Z944) and a precise neuromodulation technique reversed those autism-like behaviors. When they artificially increased RT activity in healthy mice, the animals started showing the same behaviors, confirming a direct link.
The study strengthens the connection between autism and epilepsy, since both involve disrupted communication in this same thalamic circuit. While still early and limited to animal models, it opens a path toward biology-based treatments that target the brain’s signaling balance rather than just symptoms.
🧩 Reference: Jang S S et al., Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw4682
