Can Brain Abnormalities Reveal Formula For Detection Of Autism?

Autism is a brain disorder characterized by social, communication, and behavioral difficulties. Detection is difficult because it is determined solely by behavior analysis. Recent research done at Harvard reported that children with autism had a wide range of genetic defects. For this reason, it is hard to genetically diagnose and identify with a simple genetic test.

However, at the University of Missouri, researchers are studying 3-D images of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to enable them to develop a formula for earlier detection. The researchers also hope to reveal genetic clues that can direct additional research.

Ye Duan, assistant computer science professor in the MU College of Engineering, noted that there are obvious variations in “the faces and head shapes of children with specific types of autism to other children." It is possible for doctors to use a tape measure to check for facial and brain dissimilarities, but the University of Missouri hopes to create a quantitative method that will accurately measure these differences and allow for earlier, more precise detection of specific types of the disorder. This formula, once created, will allow a quick, non-invasive test for children. Early detection is helpful in treating children and also preparing families.

Researchers at MU are using 3-D representations, instead of a slice-by-slice MRI, to compare brain structures.

The facial and brain imaging work will focus on two subgroups of ASD which only affects about 20% of autism children. These children have a tendency toward more physical and brain abnormalities and smaller heads as well as a complex form of autism. Increased cranium size and related brain abnormalities has been identified and related to the more common form of autism, or essential autism, which affects about80%.

A child's autistic behavior is extremely affected by the parents care at home. When this form of diagnosis is put into practice, families with children that are affected by ASD can become aware sooner. This would allow them to prepare and learn how to raise, teach, and discipline a child with autism. Being able to start before the behavioral problems begin to surface would greatly help the child and reduce the stress and strain on the families. This one new form of diagnosis would open an area of opportunity for new, earlier forms of treatment, and also a better understanding of the brain disorder.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080818184426.htm