Autism Symptoms Can be Detected From Six Months
The scientists have detected signs of autism in infants at the age of six months by measuring brain activity. That way it will be identified earlier children are at risk of autism such as eye contact and social interaction.
About one in 100 children develop this disorder, but symptoms are not apparent until the second year of life. Early diagnosis is expected to lead us to a way of 'persuading' the brain to develop in different ways to fight the problems caused by the condition.
Estimated 600,000 children and adults in the UK are affected by autism, or autistic spectrum disorders, with genetic factors that play a role. The researchers said 17 children in risk groups were diagnosed with autism at age three.
ASD is an umbrella term for a variety of developmental disorders, including Asperger syndrome, which has a lifelong impact on the ability to interact socially and communicate. Parents of a child with autism face the risk of one in five of their next child will also have the condition.
Recent research has focused on infants at the age of six to ten months with relatives who are affected disorder.
The research looked at the pattern of brain activity in 54 children at risk, and 50 infants older brother is not affected. Sensors are placed on their scalp to measure brain activity through electrical signals when they were shown the faces alternately or taken away from them.
The intensity of electrical activity in certain areas is reduced in children at risk for autism. It shows they have demonstrated unusual patterns of eye contact and social interaction.
Study leader Professor Mark Johnson, of Birkbeck College, University of London, said: "Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, a direct measure of brain function during the first year of life associated with a diagnosis of autism at a later date, the previously existing behavioral symptoms.
"The difference in using eye gaze to regulate social interaction is a feature that can be known well in advance in many children with autism within two years of their lives. This is what will remind parents and professionals".
But he stressed this method is not secure and further research is needed to improve testing.
No related posts.