The BBC reported this week on a study that was recently published in ‘Current Biology’. Researchers at The Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London have been developing a new test in an attempt to identify autism in infants. You can watch the BBC’s report here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16769495
The scientists are working towards identification of autism at a much younger age than is currently possible – ideally at around 6 months of age – and hope that this initial study will pave the way for more research.
The study used a method of non-invasive cranial sensors to determine an infant’s brain processes during a specific type of social interaction. As children with autism are known to display atypical patterns of eye-contact, the infants’ brain activity was monitored during video clips of people looking towards them, and then away. The study found that brain response patterns in infants who later went on to develop autism were already different at 6 months of age – that even at a very young age these infants were processing social information in a different manner.
Professor Mark Johnson said, “Our findings demonstrate for the first time that direct measures of brain functioning during the first year of life associate with a later diagnosis of autism, well before behavioural symptoms. Differences in the use of eye gaze to regulate social interaction are a well-recognised early feature in many children with autism from the second year of life. At present, it is these that will alert parents and professionals.”
It is important to note however that the brain scans were not 100% accurate. 100 babies were tested and some of these babies later developed autism. The test could not conclusively identify atypical brain processes in all infants who later went on to develop autism. However as a first step towards early identification of autism in infants, it is a promising study.
If you think that your toddler or child may benefit from speech and language therapy, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry
Sarah Bennington, January 2012
Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.
