Fetal Physiology

Function
Abnormalities in form have long been known as “birth defects,” and are readily observable. They are termed congenital because it is understood that a child is born with the abnormality. Abnormalities in functioning are obviously more difficult to discern. The most predominant organ involved in the way we function is the brain, which may appear normal in form, while the way it functions can be abnormal. Problems with brain function may be present at birth though the underlying abnormalities may not be apparent because it is difficult to measure how the brain functions in the early stages of life outside the womb. Brain function is determined by how the brain is “wired” by neural pathways and other tissues that further set the stage for how a child will develop during early development. It may not be apparent that neural pathways and tissues have been affected until those pathways or tissues are needed during early development. The delays and abnormalities in functioning may further depend upon which neural pathways and tissues have been affected.

Similar to the scenario where Thalidomide was able to affect the form of a developing fetus in the womb, we suspect that there are environmental factors that can affect functioning as well. Which factors, how much the pregnant woman is exposed to them, during what time in the pregnancy and for how long, are all variables that can provide an explanation for both the variety of developmental disorders seen in children and the wide range in degrees of severity. It may be that the longer and more intense the environmental exposure, during a critical period in fetal development, the greater the effect on the functioning of the child in early childhood development and throughout life.

Autism, ADHD and schizophrenia are some disorders which illustrate the “disconnect” between the form and function of the brain. Brain functioning can be significantly delayed in development or altered, while the form of the brain in these children appears normal. In fact, delays in development are some of the most widely seen functional abnormalities in many developmental disorders. In most of these disorders, developmental milestones are missed or only partially obtained. Children with autism, ADHD and other developmental disorders often display behavioral and cognitive symptoms that are younger than their chronological age. This delay in maturity can be attributed to immature functioning, which has its source in the early development of the brain. It is an integral part of our mission to understand how abnormal functioning arises in fetal life, as we endeavor to contribute to the prevention and treatment of these disorders through our research and discussions.