Hospital doctors 'could use brain scan to diagnose autism'
Wednesday 11th August 2010
Researchers have developed a brain scan that could be used to diagnose autism.
A team of scientists from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London have developed an imaging technique to map the human brain and help diagnose the condition.
Using an MRI scanner, hospital doctors could be able to identify those suffering from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) much more quickly than is currently possible.
The scan takes just 15 minutes to complete and the resulting 3D image of the brain can be examined to determine the structure, shape and thickness of certain areas of the brain.
Dr Christine Ecker, leader of the study, commented that the value of the new technique for ASD diagnosis is "immense".
"It could help alleviate the need for the emotional, time consuming and expensive diagnosis process which ASD patients and families currently have to endure," she added.
According to the National Autistic Society, approximately half a million people have been diagnosed with the condition in the UK.
Written by Angela Newbury
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