A New Test for Very Early Detection of Autism

Detecting autism as early as possible gives the child a better chance in life. There is documented positive reasons for an early diagnosis. The earlier the better. The current average age at diagnosis is 3 years of age, but as young as the first birthday, subtle abnormalities are present and work is underway to detect very early signs--as early as 3 to 6 months of age.

One of the latest bits of information on autism to be announced is from London, England. A new, simple urine test could help detect autism in very young children. It appears that children with autism have a unique chemical profile that can be detected in the urine.

According to researcher and author, Jeremy Nicholson, Professor and study co-author at London's Imperial College, autism affects the gut micro flora causing certain bacteria to be present in the intestines of a person with autism. This new urine test can pick up the bacteria 'fingerprint' in the gut of these children.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1514085/gastrointestinal_problems_in_autism.html?cat=5

Now, children showing autism-like markers are given a lengthy process of tests to help assess for autism and other spectrum disorders. Usually this is first begun around the age of 18 months to two years. Early testing cannot establish a firm diagnosis even though changes may occur much earlier and are frequently observed by parents and others.

Scientists conclude that using a method called H NMR Spectroscopy to analyze urine in a child younger than18 months of age could greatly improve the outcome of their progress by diagnosing autism at an earlier age than ever before.

The test could be as simple as a pregnancy test with just a few drops of urine and a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. Physicians could diagnose the condition without the countless psychological tests and other traumatic and lengthy testing currently being used.

　

Sources: www.associatedcontent.com/article/1514085/gastrointestinal_problems_in_autism.html

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1283696/Urine-test-biological-autism-diagnosis.html