New test can spot autism risk in infants, according to study

By Staff Writer

Scientists at Children's Hospital Boston have developed a noninvasive test that may detect autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in children as young as 9 months old.

The pilot test of this procedure, which combines electroencephalogram (EEG) with machine-learning algorithms, had an 80 percent accuracy in distinguishing infants who had a high risk for autism from healthy patients of the same age. The findings appear in the online journal BMC Medicine.

The study included 79 babies between 6 and 24 months of age. A total of 46 infants had older siblings with a confirmed autism diagnosis, while 33 had no family history of ASDs. After analyzing EEG testing, which measures electric activity in the brain, scientists found that the at-risk babies exhibited different neural connectivity that is commonly associated with autism.

Researchers discovered that the distinction between the high-risk and control groups was greatest beginning at the 9-month-old mark. However, the differences were smaller after the baby turned 1 years old. The authors suggested that environmental factors may mitigate a baby's vulnerability to ASDs.

Adolescents who have learning disabilities may benefit from wilderness therapy programs, many of which are specifically designed to meet the needs of autistic teens.