http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
-
Rochelle Marsden
- Posts: 2005
- Joined: Tue Nov 19, 2013 11:00 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
I don’t think this debunks the theory that vaccines are involved as the state of the brain could remain dormant until the vaccines give it a push!!
Rochelle
From: minutus@yahoogroups.com [mailto:minutus@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of healthyinfo6@aol.com
Sent: 26 March 2014 23:33
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
Rochelle
From: minutus@yahoogroups.com [mailto:minutus@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of healthyinfo6@aol.com
Sent: 26 March 2014 23:33
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
-
Irene de Villiers
- Posts: 3237
- Joined: Sat Aug 02, 2014 10:00 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
That is a wild guess right?
Where is the evidecne that this occurred before birth rather than after it?
Just because something is present at death, does not prove whetehr it got there before or after birth.
Vaccines are also not off the hook.
All they showed is that one vaccine is not worse than another - they failed to show there was no vaccine effect.
My grandson as an example -----definitely was NOT autistic before his polio vaccine, He came home paralysed after it, and screaming in pain with every slight movement. He was autistic after that, at age 7.
It was as if he chajged overnight from one person - a happy healthy very actve child with a healthy appetite and varied interests - to a closed child with no appetite having ti be begged to eat, and who had no focus but his cards he memorizes, he never looks at anyone. Nobody would see him as the same person before and after.
I am sure he would show the typical autism brain damage, but not before the vaccine. If soeone could look at his brain now, how would that show he had a brain issue before birth and not after vaccine?
Namate,
.....Irene
REPLY TO: only
--
Irene de Villiers, B.Sc AASCA MCSSA D.I.Hom/D.Vet.Hom.
P.O. Box 4703 Spokane WA 99220.
www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/clickhere.html (Veterinary Homeopath.)
"Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt one doing it."
Where is the evidecne that this occurred before birth rather than after it?
Just because something is present at death, does not prove whetehr it got there before or after birth.
Vaccines are also not off the hook.
All they showed is that one vaccine is not worse than another - they failed to show there was no vaccine effect.
My grandson as an example -----definitely was NOT autistic before his polio vaccine, He came home paralysed after it, and screaming in pain with every slight movement. He was autistic after that, at age 7.
It was as if he chajged overnight from one person - a happy healthy very actve child with a healthy appetite and varied interests - to a closed child with no appetite having ti be begged to eat, and who had no focus but his cards he memorizes, he never looks at anyone. Nobody would see him as the same person before and after.
I am sure he would show the typical autism brain damage, but not before the vaccine. If soeone could look at his brain now, how would that show he had a brain issue before birth and not after vaccine?
Namate,
.....Irene
REPLY TO: only
--
Irene de Villiers, B.Sc AASCA MCSSA D.I.Hom/D.Vet.Hom.
P.O. Box 4703 Spokane WA 99220.
www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/clickhere.html (Veterinary Homeopath.)
"Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt one doing it."
-
Tanya Marquette
- Posts: 5602
- Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 11:00 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
What a tragic story for your family. But so typical.
Reminds me of the reactions of teen girls to Gardisil vaccine.
The one thing that is never noted, but so obvious, is that autism is
not a disease like measles with a distinct microorganism as the cause.
Autism is a condition that can be caused by many factors. In the Pauling
case a few yrs ago the court agreed that faulty/defective cellular mitochondria
caused a susceptibility to the vaccine and awarded damages on that basis.
But thinking multiple causes is too messy for drug corporate science.
If this were to become their reality, it would prove impossible for them to
argue for drug use which needs to have a specific target in the body that needs
controlling.
The idea that the body is holistic in its functioning and requires an approach
that works to build total health and improved immune system functioning is
anathema to their interests. This study of the brain in utero does a couple of
things. First, it blames the mother for producing a defective child. Pretty
sinister, but typical—Blame the Victim. Second, it gives them the kind of specificity
they look for so they can create more drugs to pump into a body.
thttp://www.salon.com/2014/03/25/4_things_you_n ... otus_case/
From: Irene de Villiers
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 8:05 AM
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
That is a wild guess right?
Where is the evidecne that this occurred before birth rather than after it?
Just because something is present at death, does not prove whetehr it got there before or after birth.
Vaccines are also not off the hook.
All they showed is that one vaccine is not worse than another - they failed to show there was no vaccine effect.
My grandson as an example -----definitely was NOT autistic before his polio vaccine, He came home paralysed after it, and screaming in pain with every slight movement. He was autistic after that, at age 7.
It was as if he chajged overnight from one person - a happy healthy very actve child with a healthy appetite and varied interests - to a closed child with no appetite having ti be begged to eat, and who had no focus but his cards he memorizes, he never looks at anyone. Nobody would see him as the same person before and after.
I am sure he would show the typical autism brain damage, but not before the vaccine. If soeone could look at his brain now, how would that show he had a brain issue before birth and not after vaccine?
Namate,
.....Irene
REPLY TO: only
--
Irene de Villiers, B.Sc AASCA MCSSA D.I.Hom/D.Vet.Hom.
P.O. Box 4703 Spokane WA 99220.
www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/clickhere.html (Veterinary Homeopath.)
"Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt one doing it."
Reminds me of the reactions of teen girls to Gardisil vaccine.
The one thing that is never noted, but so obvious, is that autism is
not a disease like measles with a distinct microorganism as the cause.
Autism is a condition that can be caused by many factors. In the Pauling
case a few yrs ago the court agreed that faulty/defective cellular mitochondria
caused a susceptibility to the vaccine and awarded damages on that basis.
But thinking multiple causes is too messy for drug corporate science.
If this were to become their reality, it would prove impossible for them to
argue for drug use which needs to have a specific target in the body that needs
controlling.
The idea that the body is holistic in its functioning and requires an approach
that works to build total health and improved immune system functioning is
anathema to their interests. This study of the brain in utero does a couple of
things. First, it blames the mother for producing a defective child. Pretty
sinister, but typical—Blame the Victim. Second, it gives them the kind of specificity
they look for so they can create more drugs to pump into a body.
thttp://www.salon.com/2014/03/25/4_things_you_n ... otus_case/
From: Irene de Villiers
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 8:05 AM
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
That is a wild guess right?
Where is the evidecne that this occurred before birth rather than after it?
Just because something is present at death, does not prove whetehr it got there before or after birth.
Vaccines are also not off the hook.
All they showed is that one vaccine is not worse than another - they failed to show there was no vaccine effect.
My grandson as an example -----definitely was NOT autistic before his polio vaccine, He came home paralysed after it, and screaming in pain with every slight movement. He was autistic after that, at age 7.
It was as if he chajged overnight from one person - a happy healthy very actve child with a healthy appetite and varied interests - to a closed child with no appetite having ti be begged to eat, and who had no focus but his cards he memorizes, he never looks at anyone. Nobody would see him as the same person before and after.
I am sure he would show the typical autism brain damage, but not before the vaccine. If soeone could look at his brain now, how would that show he had a brain issue before birth and not after vaccine?
Namate,
.....Irene
REPLY TO: only
--
Irene de Villiers, B.Sc AASCA MCSSA D.I.Hom/D.Vet.Hom.
P.O. Box 4703 Spokane WA 99220.
www.angelfire.com/fl/furryboots/clickhere.html (Veterinary Homeopath.)
"Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt one doing it."
-
healthinfo6
- Posts: 987
- Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 10:00 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
Irene wrote:
Were you able to provide any classical or non homeopathic treatment or advice to possibly help reverse?
Susan
Were you able to provide any classical or non homeopathic treatment or advice to possibly help reverse?
Susan
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
Some statistician should do the numbers of increasing autism based on the fact
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations. But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations. But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
-
Label GMO Florida
- Posts: 84
- Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2020 4:33 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
having gone overseas with the military (slew of crazy vaccines required) a few years prior to having my son and also having the flu shot while pregnant GREATLY contributed to his aspergers. he had all normal development until about two. then quirky behavior appeared. i also remember looking back i did not sweat like a normal person. after learning more about true health and changing diet etc... i began sweating more like a normal person. and my second had no issues. my first also was jaundice when i first brought him home from the hospital which i have since found out is a common trend in asd kids having spoken to hundreds of mothers since putting all of this together. i get so ANGRY when i hear the media and doctors say pregnant women especially need to get the D^*%((&*^&* flu shot. the jaundice thing though is a sure sign the liver isnt functioning right and if vaccines were involved with the mother or child then it is likely heavy metals toxic.
it is sad watching the blame game go on and on with autism. first "they" report its the mothers fault, then the dads fault then back and forth again. they want us always to either be blaming the other or ourselves and feeling shame when they know exactly what is going on. but God forbid they ever admit it then the lawsuits would fly and no one would trust the doc's cdc. or Am Academy of pediatrics.
its a sad sad day when money is much more important to protect over the health of our children and eventually the survival of our society like what they are doing with our food supply. as long as the chem companies keep pouring $$$ into the fda and usda they will keep claiming all those pesticides and gmo's are completely safe while they themselves only eat organic. to heck with the population at large. to heck with the health of the county. as long as i got my $$$ i am good with it.
very sad day it is
hopefully people will start waking up and research for themselves and find the truth because it is out there. but those who continue to blindly follow those in power and listen to the paid for media will die before their time in some disease infested hospital bed.
jmo
vicki
www.LabelGMOFlorida.com
Join us on facebook and twitter
Working to label GMO foods
--------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: FW: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014, 5:58 PM
Some statistician should do the numbers of
increasing autism based on the fact
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be
meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations.
But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the
parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be
considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
it is sad watching the blame game go on and on with autism. first "they" report its the mothers fault, then the dads fault then back and forth again. they want us always to either be blaming the other or ourselves and feeling shame when they know exactly what is going on. but God forbid they ever admit it then the lawsuits would fly and no one would trust the doc's cdc. or Am Academy of pediatrics.
its a sad sad day when money is much more important to protect over the health of our children and eventually the survival of our society like what they are doing with our food supply. as long as the chem companies keep pouring $$$ into the fda and usda they will keep claiming all those pesticides and gmo's are completely safe while they themselves only eat organic. to heck with the population at large. to heck with the health of the county. as long as i got my $$$ i am good with it.
very sad day it is
hopefully people will start waking up and research for themselves and find the truth because it is out there. but those who continue to blindly follow those in power and listen to the paid for media will die before their time in some disease infested hospital bed.
jmo
vicki
www.LabelGMOFlorida.com
Join us on facebook and twitter
Working to label GMO foods
--------------------------------------------
Subject: Re: FW: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014, 5:58 PM
Some statistician should do the numbers of
increasing autism based on the fact
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be
meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations.
But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the
parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be
considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
-
Tanya Marquette
- Posts: 5602
- Joined: Tue Oct 30, 2001 11:00 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
Nice idea but not happening unless some independent money is invested in such
a project. As it is they do vaccine studies without a real control group. They give
one group the test vaccines and another group a different vaccine.
t
From: Carol Orr
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 5:58 PM
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: FW: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
Some statistician should do the numbers of increasing autism based on the fact
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations. But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
a project. As it is they do vaccine studies without a real control group. They give
one group the test vaccines and another group a different vaccine.
t
From: Carol Orr
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2014 5:58 PM
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: FW: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
Some statistician should do the numbers of increasing autism based on the fact
that the parents were also vaccinated. It could be meaningful if unvaccinated
parents were having children with autism after vaccinations. But it could be
more meaningful if most cases of autism were found where the parents were
vaccinated as well. Isn't or couldn't that be considered a "retro virus". Or a
retro something.
-
LabelGMOFlorida
- Posts: 34
- Joined: Wed Apr 08, 2020 5:16 pm
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
One more comment. I met someone at a hfs who's son developed asd at the age of 16 when he had to get vaccinated to participate at high school functions. He had previously been home schooled his whole life and no vaccines.
Vicki
Www.labelgmoflorida.com
Www.glutenfreeyummies.com
healthyinfo6@aol.com wrote:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
Vicki
Www.labelgmoflorida.com
Www.glutenfreeyummies.com
healthyinfo6@aol.com wrote:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
Re: BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
I don't know if you folks saw this one:
http://news.discovery.com/human/health/ ... 140326.htm
You'll see narcissistic me with two comments on the bottom.
Roger
________________________________
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
From: vickih_fla@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:49:07 -0400
Subject: Re: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
One more comment. I met someone at a hfs who's son developed asd at the age of 16 when he had to get vaccinated to participate at high school functions. He had previously been home schooled his whole life and no vaccines.
Vicki
Www.labelgmoflorida.com
Www.glutenfreeyummies.com
healthyinfo6@aol.com wrote:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine
http://news.discovery.com/human/health/ ... 140326.htm
You'll see narcissistic me with two comments on the bottom.
Roger
________________________________
To: minutus@yahoogroups.com
From: vickih_fla@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:49:07 -0400
Subject: Re: [Minutus] BREAKING: Autism may start pre-birth
One more comment. I met someone at a hfs who's son developed asd at the age of 16 when he had to get vaccinated to participate at high school functions. He had previously been home schooled his whole life and no vaccines.
Vicki
Www.labelgmoflorida.com
Www.glutenfreeyummies.com
healthyinfo6@aol.com wrote:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20 ... /140329650
A small study that examined brains from children who died found abnormal patterns of cell growth in autistic children. The research bolsters evidence that something before birth might cause autism, at least in some cases.
Clusters of disorganized brain cells were discovered in tissue samples from brain regions important for regulating social functioning, emotions and communication — which can all be troublesome for children with autism.
The abnormalities were found in 10 of 11 children with autism, but in only one of 11 children without the disease. The children's brains were donated to science after death; causes of death included drowning, accidents, asthma and heart problems.
The authors said the clusters, detected with sophisticated lab tests, are likely defects that occurred during the second or third trimesters of pregnancy.
"Because this points to the biological onset in prenatal life, it calls sharply into question other popular notions about autism," including the scientifically debunked theory that childhood vaccines might be involved, said lead author Eric Courchesne, an autism researcher at the University of California, San Diego.
Experts not involved in the latest study called the results preliminary and said larger studies are needed to determine if the unusual brain development found in the study causes problems, and if it is truly common in autism or even in people without the disorder. What causes the unusual structure isn't known, Courchesne said, adding, "It could be gene mutations and environmental factors together."
Scientists have been working for decades to find the cause of autism, and they increasingly believe its origins begin before birth. In addition to genetics, previous research suggests other factors might include infections during pregnancy, preterm birth and fathers' older age at conception.
The study was published in Thursday's New England Journal of Medicine