Urine test to make autism 'preventable'

Press TV, 4th June 2010

Scientists have found a new test that will help diagnose autism in its early stages, making the disease treatable and possibly preventable.

Researchers at the Imperial College London found that children suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have unusual gut microbes, which can be detected using a simple urine test.

The urine test can, therefore, identify autistic children as young as six months old before the full blown symptoms of the disease begin to show.

Author of the study Professor Jeremy Nicholson believes that the test could help autism become "a preventable disease," as early detection would mean that intensive behavioral and social treatment could begin before the disease has caused any permanent psychological damage.

Autism is characterized by difficulty in social interaction and behavioral problems such as not speaking or copying, rigid routines and social isolation. It often goes undiagnosed before the age of two.