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    Discussion points 1-3 (more)

    1.  The auditory system of the brain has higher blood-flow and metabolism than
    any other area of the brain:

    High blood flow brings greater amounts of toxic substances into structures
    like the inferior colliculi.

    The inferior colliculi and other brainstem nuclei of high metabolic rate are
    likely to be affected by abnormal metabolites from all causes of autism.

    2.  The auditory system is susceptible to damage by circulatory arrest:

    Clamping the umbilical cord abruptly stops postnatal placental circulation,
    which may trap blood in the placenta.  The lungs take priority, and will draw
    blood from other organs.  If drawn from the infant's brain reduction of blood
    flow will prevent oxygen delivery to centers of high activity.  The Apgar score
    may be 10, but the brain left ischemic.

    3.  The auditory system is susceptible to impairment by toxic substances including
    alcohol and drugs like valproic acid (Depakote).

    Why are these factors important?

    The auditory system is essential for learning to speak.

    The auditory system is the "vigilance center" of the brain, even during sleep.  
    Vigilance and attention are impaired in people afflicted with autism.
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Errors in Neonatology

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Supporting evidence

The auditory system
>Final common pathway
Blood-brain barrier
Toxic injury
Brain maturation

Speech comprehension
Abstracts
Birth complications
Excerpts


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References
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