The word autism comes from the Greek word "autos," meaning self, and describes a condition in which a person is removed from social interaction-hence, an isolated self. Researchers face several challenges in their quest for autism therapies. First, the etiology and pathophysiology of the disease are unknown. Second, patients display diverse clinical presentations, and diagnosis is based solely on a symptomatology that includes social deficits, communication difficulties, and stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and interests (1). The ability to treat these core symptoms of autism would greatly improve the lives of patients and their caregivers. In addition, autism is a growing health economic burden. In 2007, Ganz (2) estimated an annual societal cost of $35 billion to care for and treat autistic patients in the United States alone. Clearly, therapies for autism represent a key unmet medical need.
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