New test can detect autism in children, scientists say

[coffeeFreak]

This would be a game changer:

Blood and urine test, believed to be first of its kind, could lead to earlier diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders...read more.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/feb/19/autism-children-blood-urine-test

[Bsuds]

Now if they can find a cure.

[Silverstarqueen]

No, first they need a reliable test for autism, which we are a long way from that.

http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/exper ... or-autism/

[Fancy]

Seems the advancement is getting there:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/science-ne ... udies-2017

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 122434.htm

NeuroPointDX announced the availability of the NPDX AA test, the first objective blood test that identifies metabolic subtypes associated with autism spectrum disorder in children as young as 18 months old.

https://www.empr.com/home/news/new-bloo ... -disorder/

[gman313]

Now if they can find a cure.

i'm not sure I agree. Autism is a spektrum it's not like Hep A where you have it or you don't. No 2 individuals are the same on the spektrum.

My son is on it, and I would not want to 'cure' him or change a thing, he is perfect in my eyes.

now, that being said, anything that can lead to earlier diagnosis is huge. Tremendous strides can be made the earlier a diagnosis is.

My son is very high functioning relative to many on the spektrum this is my opinion only. No idea if other parents would agree or not.

[the truth]

Now if they can find a cure.

there is no money in cures,

[Fancy]

There are cures though for other illnesses.

[OllyV]

Now if they can find a cure.

Autism doesn't require a cure.
It requires better understanding from the rest us.

[Fancy]

If causes can be identified and treated early enough maybe autism will decrease.

The results of the study suggest that infection can “impart subtle brain injuries contributing to the development of autism and depression,” said researchers.

https://globalnews.ca/news/5050974/infe ... epression/

[JennW]

Now if they can find a cure.

Autism can't be cured.

[JennW]

If causes can be identified and treated early enough maybe autism will decrease.

The results of the study suggest that infection can “impart subtle brain injuries contributing to the development of autism and depression,” said researchers.

https://globalnews.ca/news/5050974/infe ... epression/

Autism is genetic, it cannot be cured and it cannot be treated. Maybe just try to accept autistic people instead of trying to fix them?

[alanjh595]

Now if they can find a cure.

Autism can't be cured.

At this point in time. They said the same about the plague. As they say, today, about Cancer. To say, "Autism can't be cured", is a defeated and surrender opinion.

We need to keep trying.

[JennW]

At this point in time. They said the same about the plague. As they say, today, about Cancer. To say, "Autism can't be cured", is a defeated and surrender opinion.

We need to keep trying.

You misunderstand autism and comparing it to plague or cancer is insulting. It's like trying to cure someone's skin colour.

[JennW]

This would be a game changer

Make it easy for people to abort autistic fetuses?

[caffeine]

This would be a game changer

Make it easy for people to abort autistic fetuses?

The information in the link referred to a blood test where children with autism had differences in certain markers. They weren't testing the blood of fetuses.

If the test turns out to be reliable, it would definitely be a game changer for the parents and children that need to wait for years on a waitlist to be tested, or who can't afford to pay for the test privately. (In the interior, you can languish on a waitlist, or pay the exact same people privately to have the assessment completed in a few weeks).

How it would be a game changer:
-Quicker access to a diagnosis which helps teachers and parents better understand.
-Quicker access to treatment/ skills training re: social interaction to help with functioning.
-Quicker access to the funding that is available for families and the school.