Medscape Today is reporting the results of a joint research program between Harvard University and the University of Utah that has resulted in a biological test for Autism. The article mentions the use of the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test that measures brain circuitry deviations. The study was published initially in the November 29th online posting to Autism Research.
The tests on 30 high functioning males aged 7-28 and 30 controls showed that with a 97% accuracy Autism could be identified through this method, at least with the initial research. Further research is pending in the next 2 years testing a different age group and varying degrees of Autism.
This is a huge stride in Autism research, because instead of a subjective test for Autism through observation, one can get a definitive test that takes less time. It's also proof that Autism is a biological condition, as it shows that persons with Autism have a less structured wiring in the brain. At least that was the case in 97% of the test subjects. I'm looking forward to more definitive results on a broader scale to confirm the findings. If so, there is yet another pillar of doubt that is knocked over, and one less for Insurance Companies to hide behind in covering Autism as a diagnosis.
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