New developments in the diagnosis of adult autism
13:24 - 12/08/2010
New developments in the diagnosis of ...
A pioneering study funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) has led to the development of a new method for diagnosing autism in adults.
Over half a million people living in the UK have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a life-long developmental disorder which affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. For many people, diagnosis is a lengthy and complicated process which relies more on personal accounts from friends and family than scientific techniques. This, however, is about to change as a result of the new research findings.
During the study, scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP), King’s College London, devised a quick brain scan which can identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults. The scan, which takes just 15 minutes and is over 90% accurate, may be used to screen for autism in children in the future.
The study was conducted on 20 healthy adults, 20 adults with ASD, and 19 adults with ADHD. Scientists began by using more traditional methods for diagnosing autism, including IQ tests and a psychiatric interview, before introducing the new brain scanning technique as a comparison. The brain scan was found to be highly effective in identifying individuals with autism.
The technique uses an MRI scanner to take pictures of the brain’s grey matter. These scans are then reconstructed into 3D images which a computer algorithm can assess for structure, shape and thickness. These intricate measurements can indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This process involves the computer highlighting biological markers, rather than personality traits, to determine whether or not a person has ASD.
Dr Christine Ecker, a Lecturer in the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences from the IoP, who carried out the study, said: “The value of this rapid and accurate tool to diagnose ASD is immense. It could help to alleviate the need for the emotional, time consuming and expensive diagnosis process which ASD patients and families currently have to endure. We now look forward to testing if our methods can also help children.”
First Response Training can offer an informative course designed to raise awareness of autistic spectrum disorders, including autism and Asperger syndrome. It is 3 hours in duration and ensures that candidates have the knowledge and confidence to provide support for people with ASD.
Operations Director, Perry Leeks, says: “At First Response we are always pleased to hear of new developments that can help to make people’s lives better and be of benefit to them and their families. This is great news, and we hope that the new technique can also help children.
“However, diagnosis is not the end of the story for people with ASD. Once it has been determined that they have the condition, people also need understanding and appropriate support. Our Autism and Asperger Syndrome Awareness training course helps carers to provide just that.”
For further information, please call us today.
Over half a million people living in the UK have an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). It is a life-long developmental disorder which affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact socially. For many people, diagnosis is a lengthy and complicated process which relies more on personal accounts from friends and family than scientific techniques. This, however, is about to change as a result of the new research findings.
During the study, scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry (IoP), King’s College London, devised a quick brain scan which can identify autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults. The scan, which takes just 15 minutes and is over 90% accurate, may be used to screen for autism in children in the future.
The study was conducted on 20 healthy adults, 20 adults with ASD, and 19 adults with ADHD. Scientists began by using more traditional methods for diagnosing autism, including IQ tests and a psychiatric interview, before introducing the new brain scanning technique as a comparison. The brain scan was found to be highly effective in identifying individuals with autism.
The technique uses an MRI scanner to take pictures of the brain’s grey matter. These scans are then reconstructed into 3D images which a computer algorithm can assess for structure, shape and thickness. These intricate measurements can indicate Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This process involves the computer highlighting biological markers, rather than personality traits, to determine whether or not a person has ASD.
Dr Christine Ecker, a Lecturer in the Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences from the IoP, who carried out the study, said: “The value of this rapid and accurate tool to diagnose ASD is immense. It could help to alleviate the need for the emotional, time consuming and expensive diagnosis process which ASD patients and families currently have to endure. We now look forward to testing if our methods can also help children.”
First Response Training can offer an informative course designed to raise awareness of autistic spectrum disorders, including autism and Asperger syndrome. It is 3 hours in duration and ensures that candidates have the knowledge and confidence to provide support for people with ASD.
Operations Director, Perry Leeks, says: “At First Response we are always pleased to hear of new developments that can help to make people’s lives better and be of benefit to them and their families. This is great news, and we hope that the new technique can also help children.
“However, diagnosis is not the end of the story for people with ASD. Once it has been determined that they have the condition, people also need understanding and appropriate support. Our Autism and Asperger Syndrome Awareness training course helps carers to provide just that.”
For further information, please call us today.
Make your selections below and enter your postcode (if applicable). This will provide you with information about a course in a location convenient to you
