[Eye muscle paralysis can increase the knowledge on autism].

One third of Swedes with thalidomide embryopathy have sixth and seventh cranial nerve palsy, named Möbius syndrome/sequence, and some of them suffer from autism. Further, other patients with Möbius sequence have autism. The teratogenic effect of thalidomide on the development of different organ structures occurs early in pregnancy. By studying the birth defects, information can be obtained concerning when the damage occurred. Erroneous development of the sixth and seventh cranial nerves is induced early in pregnancy. The ensuing palsy may be associated with autism. New research is focusing on genes controlling early cranial nerve development.