Research Suggests Possibility of Diagnostic Testing for Autism at Birth

Scientists are identifying a variety of abnormalities in autistic children that might make it possible to diagnose the disorder at a much earlier age, when it may be possible to mitigate its effects or perhaps prevent it, researchers said. The findings "suggest the possibility for future diagnostic tests for autism at birth" and might mean that "we can get children into effective treatment much earlier than is now possible," said Helen Tager-Flusberg of the Boston University School of Medicine.

Baltimore Sun (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/bal-te.autism06may06,1,6365355.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines)