A simple brain imaging test that records the electrical activity of the brain, using scalp electrodes may help diagnose autism in children early.
Scientists from Boston Children's Hospital found the accuracy of a non- invasive technique called electroencephalogram (EEG) in successfully detecting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in young children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 88 children in the United States is affected by the developmental disorder that leads to significant social, communication and behavioural challenges.
An EEG is commonly adopted to diagnose brain abnormalities. The technique, with small metal discs with thin wires placed on the scalp records brain wave patterns by sending the signals to a computer. EEGs are widely used to detect seizure disorders, sleep disorders and behavioral changes.
The study included 1,000 children- with autism (430) and without autism (554) - aged between two and 12 years. The brain activity of the children was monitored with the help of a cap of 24 electrodes. At the end of the experiment, scientists could identify 33 specific EEG patterns connected to autism. To check the accuracy of the technique, the tests were repeated 10 times, BBC reported.
EEG images showed poor connectivity between certain brain areas of autistic children compared to normal children, particularly the area that controls language.
"It seemed nearly impossible to even hope that such a consistent pattern could be obtained by a technique that has been around since the 1930s," Dr. Frank Duffy, a medic and engineer told Daily Mail.
ASD starts normally by the age of three and stays throughout one's life. No medical or blood test is available for the early diagnosis of autism. The child's behaviour and development are some of the factors used by doctors to determine the disorder.
"In a recent survey we commissioned, 50 per cent of people with autism and their families said it was difficult to get a diagnosis and 55 per cent said the process took too long. While further testing of EEG scans is still required, any tools that help identify autism at a younger age could potentially improve a person's quality of life by allowing the right support to be put in place earlier," Caroline Hattersley, of The National Autistic Society told the Daily Mail.
Effort to detect autism at an early age has been going on from a long time. Last month, a team of researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found the children who display weak head and neck control at six months at higher risks of having autism than others. About 90 percent of the infants, included in the study with head lags were later diagnosed with autism and 54 percent with social or communication delays.
