Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism, New Roads to Understanding the Mitochondria (CME track/practitioner registrants only)
Autism spectrum disorder appears to be associated with abnormalities in mitochondrial function. However, the patterns of abnormalities is unlike those seen in classic mitochondrial disorder. These include unique changes in electron transport chain activity, fatty acid metabolism, redox regulation and genetic abnormalities. This talk will discuss some of the unique abnormalities found in mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism.
Learning Objectives
1. To recognize the pathophysiological abnormalities in mitochondrial dysfunction unique to autism spectrum disorder.
2. To explain the evidence basis for mitochondrial dysfunction associated with autism
Richard E. Frye, MD, PhD
Dr. Richard Frye is a Child Neurologist with expertise in neurodevelopmental and neurometabolic disorders. He received an MD and PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from Georgetown University. He completed a residency in Pediatrics at the University of Miami, Residency in Child Neurology and Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology and Learning Disabilities at Harvard University/Children’s Hospital Boston and Fellowship in Psychology at Boston University. He also received a Masters in Biomedical Science and Biostatistics from Drexel University. He holds board certifications in Pediatrics, and in Neurology with Special Competence in Child Neurology. Dr. Frye is a national leader in autism research. He has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and serves on several editorial boards.
He has lead several clinical studies on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including studies focusing on defining the clinical, behavioral, cognitive, genetic and metabolic characteristics of children with ASD and mitochondrial disease. He has conducted several clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of safe and novel treatments that target underlying physiological abnormalities in children with ASD.
