Blood, Urine Test Could Help Diagnose Autism Earlier In Children

This study does not tell us how effectively this measure can differentiate between autism and other neurodevelopmental or mental health conditions such as ADHD and anxiety.” Autism is a developmental disorder that mainly affects social interaction, causing a wide spectrum of behavioral problems, including hyperactivity, anxiety or speech disturbances. An estimated 30% of cases have been found to have genetic causes. The remaining 70% are thought to be caused by a combination of environmental factors, mutations and genetics, according to the study. Currently, if a child is suspected of having autism, doctors carry out a series of behavioral tests, which take time and may not not give an accurate diagnosis. A biological test, like a blood test, would provide a faster and more definitive diagnosis. In the US, more than 3.5 million people live with autism spectrum disorders, according to the Autism Society, and this limits 35% of young adults with the disorder from having a job or continuing their education after high school. In the UK, there are 700,000 children and adults on the autism spectrum, according to the National Austistic Society. A blood test for the disorder has been much sought-after by researchers around the world but has remained elusive. Thornalley explained future research would be looking to identify autism spectrum disorders in children from as young as 2. Naila Rabbaini, researcher of experimental systems biology and co-lead on the study, said that with...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health News Autism Local TV Source Type: news