Brain scan promises to identify the hidden sufferers of autism

[n2doc]

By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor


Autism could in future be diagnosed in 15 minutes from a brain scan – saving patients and their families years of suffering from a condition that can go unrecognised for decades.

Scientists using facial recognition software have devised a method which can distinguish the autistic brain from the normal brain with 90 per cent accuracy. The method could lead to the introduction of screening for the disorder in children.

An estimated 600,000 people in Britain are affected by autistic spectrum disorders, which affect their capacity to interact with others. Sufferers have difficulty reading social situations and responding appropriately and may lead lonely and isolated lives as a result.

The condition ranges from the mild to the severe, but half of those affected are undiagnosed. Autism is a lifelong condition that is incurable but early diagnosis allows therapy to begin which can help sufferers to learn to cope with the condition.

more

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/brain-scan-promises-to-identify-the-hidden-sufferers-of-autism-2049090.html


The autistic brain: The coloured areas show the regions of the brain that are now known to differ in people with autism. Red represents areas that are thicker or larger than in a non-autistic brain, and blue represents areas that are smaller

[Odin2005]

1. This is great. I had to endure a day-long evaluation when I was diagnosed.