Autism Research: Bulgarian Institutions Unite Efforts

Two leading Bulgarian scientific institutions are joining forces in the search for answers to one of the most complex questions in modern medicine – the causes of autism. The Intelligent Systems Laboratory at Burgas State University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov" and the Center with a laboratory for autism research at the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" are starting a joint work that promises to shed new light on this complex condition.

At a time when the lack of accurate information can lead to wrong conclusions, this joint initiative is particularly important. The Rector of BSU, Prof. Dr. Sotir Sotirov, emphasized the importance of the combined efforts. "Our experience so far has proven that high results are achieved with joint efforts. I believe that our computer developments will help to reach an even more in-depth analysis, which will benefit medicine," he said.

The Dean of the Faculty at SU, Prof. D.Sc. Milen Zamfirov, emphasized that despite the accumulated knowledge about autism, the real causes of it still remain a mystery. "Autism has accompanied humanity for millennia and, looking back, the research done so far does not give accurate and reliable information about what causes it," noted Prof. Zamfirov. The newly created Center with a laboratory for autism research at SU will focus on the diagnosis and integration of children with autism in a school environment. Non-invasive genetic studies aimed at studying the mechanisms associated with autism will be carried out in the laboratory.

Prof. Zamfirov emphasized the importance of combating disinformation on the topic, stressing that the conclusions made so far categorically reject the link between vaccines and paracetamol and the appearance of autism. "The conclusions made show that vaccines and paracetamol do not cause autism. The causes for it are still unknown and the research continues. An important aspect is to prevent misinformation," he stressed.

The joint work between the two laboratories will focus on research into the causes of autism and the creation of new models of partnership between higher education and pedagogical specialists in pre-school and primary education. The focus will also be placed on the development of existing partnership models, as well as on joint efforts to apply for grant funding, which will support future joint initiatives.

Enthusiasm filled the hall where the scientists discussed their plans. The presentation of a development based on neural networks by doctoral student Krasimir Kralev from BSU, which aims to create an intelligent system for recognizing X-ray images in children with pneumonia, gave additional confidence in the success of the joint efforts. This demonstration of expertise in the field of artificial intelligence shows how Burgas State University is actively contributing to the implementation of the goals of the two laboratories, promising a better future for children and families affected by autism.