Source paper: Intense World Theory - a unifying theory of the neurobiology of autism
The mice in the study were given valproic acid to induce autism. This induces an epigenetic insult that mutates the genes to develop autism in the mice. Usually, valproic acid helps treat bipolar disorder and is also a teratogen
Teratogen
A teratogen is an agent that causes abnormalities in a fetus during pregnancy upon exposure. This usually shows in the form of birth defects
Epigenetics
The study of how gene expressions are modified without directly altering the genetic code itself. In other words, the study of controlling gene activity without mutating the genes themselves
The neuropathology of mice show hyperfunctionality in their brain circuits. This led to enhanced perception, attention, and memory. Although it reads like it’s a superhuman trait, it comes with a lot of discomfort. A lot of sensory stimulation and overload is experienced. In other words, the mice experience an intense world with their excited sensory perception