Autism - Introduction

Autism is characterized by three hallmark behaviors that can range from mild to disabling including:

• Difficulties with social interaction
• Problems with verbal and nonverbal communication
• Repetitive behaviors or narrow, obsessive interests

Experts estimate that three to six children out of every 1,000 have an autistic spectrum disorder, with boys four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with autism¹.

While genetics appear to play a large part in the cause of autism, researchers have not found one definitive genetic abnormality to be directly related to the disorder. For families with one autistic child, the risk of having a second child with autism is approximately five percent or one in 20 – far greater than the risk to the general population¹. Multiple environmental factors including chemicals, infectious diseases, vaccines, prenatal stress and foods are also currently being evaluated for relationships with autism.

There is no cure for autism at this time. A variety of medications and behavioral interventions are used in an attempt to address individual symptoms of the disease.

Seaside is developing new drug treatments to correct or improve the course of autism. We have completed a Phase 1 study of STX209 in healthy volunteers and initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders in March of 2009. For more information on the Phase 2 study please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov. Assuming an acceptable safety and efficacy profile, the ultimate goal would be to expand the study to include younger children.

¹National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke