Saliva and Pupil Size Differences in Autism Show System in Overdrive

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Saliva and Pupil Size Differences in Autism Show System in Overdrive

ScienceDaily (July 12, 2012) --- University of Kansas researchers have

found larger resting pupil size and lower levels of a salivary enzyme

associated with the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in children with

autism spectrum disorder.

However, even though the levels of the enzyme, salivary alpha-amylase

(sAA), were lower than those of typically-developing children in samples

taken in the afternoon in the lab, samples taken at home throughout the

day showed that sAA levels were higher in general across the day and

much less variable for children with ASD.

" What this says is that the autonomic system of children with ASD is

always on the same level, " Christa , assistant research

professor, said. " They are in overdrive. " ...

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Pupil and salivary indicators of autonomic dysfunction in autism

spectrum disorder. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22644965>

CJ, Colombo J, Unruh KE.

Dev Psychobiol. 2012 May 29