Mitochrondrial disease is a disorder of the cells. It can be
present from birth, or occur later in life. It can have no
symptoms, or create a wide range of physical problems including
muscular weakness, developmental delays and heart problems.
Mitochondrial disease occurs in fewer than 1:2500-4000 births.
Mitochondrial disease is rare. But according to at least one
Portuguese study, it may also be the case that mitochondrial
disease is more prevalent among people with autism than it is in
the general population. In fact, if this small study is
replicated, researchers may find that as much as 5% of the
autistic population also has mitochondrial disease. A study by
the father of the child who received the Vaccine Court
settlement supports the possibility that a significant
percentage people with autism may have mitochondria-related
metabolic problems. Interestingly, while the Vaccine Court
awarded damages without even going to trial, a statement from
the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation says that there h