This document summarizes a presentation by Dr. Richard E. Frye on mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders and autism. The presentation covers:
- Evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in many diseases and now believed to be important in autism based on studies showing abnormalities in electron transport chain complexes in autistic children.
- Further studies demonstrating differences in mitochondrial reserve capacity between autistic children and controls, and associations with environmental exposures like air pollution.
- Research into mechanisms of dysfunction including effects of the gut microbiome, genes, and potential treatments like mitochondrial cocktails.