The Power of Autism

December 12, 2011

Dame Steve Shirley, formidable businesswoman and philanthropist, announced last week her donation of £1million towards research into autism.

The contribution will support the creation of a state-of-the-art imaging suite which will enable scientists to study autism in new ways.

‘Research has moved beyond looking at the consequences of autism, Dame Steve says, we now need to look into how biology, genetics and behaviour all link together.’

Dame Steve knows what she is doing. Understanding the reasons for autism, or any other form of neurodevelopmental disorder, is where we must start. Everything else will then follow. I have been to see the lab at The Patrick Wild Centre at Edinburgh University, who are the recipients of Dame Steve’s donation, and I have looked into their microscopes (they cost £500,000 each). It was a very powerful and, for me personally, a very moving experience as it was a microscope just like that, that finally gave us Annie’s diagnosis. A chromosome deletion on Chromosome 1, the upper arm. ‘Annie’s syndrome.’

Looking through that particular looking glass and into the micro cosmos of the mechanisms of neural development, is also a most stunningly beautiful experience. I can easily envisage an art exhibition showcasing these magical, stylish, unexpected, colourful images.

You can view the stunning beauty of the brain here below in my miniexhibition ‘Reports from a high powered microscope’. Images kindly contributed by Peter Kind, Professor of Neurodevelopmental Science at the PWC.

Lorna Wing is another fundamental contributor to the understanding of autism. She has worked within the field for over 50 years and, as Christopher Gillberg says, ‘ she has always been right in her thinking’. You cant say that about many people. Lorna Wings thinking has stood the test of time. You can watch and listen to Lorna Wing in conversation with Christopher Gillberg (dated March 2011) on You Tube, I have attached the link here below. It is a hugely important and informative conversation on the very latest thinking on autism. It is also a master class in what it is to have an open mind.

You can watch ‘Lorna Wing in conversation with Chris Gillberg’ here.