Brain scan can detect signs of autism

The University College London’s Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience tested the scan on 40 people and found a 90% success rate for detecting signs of autism.

It is estimated that 1 in every 100 adults suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UK.

Current methods used to detect signs of autism can be very lengthy and expensive.  It is hoped that the new brain scan will improve this process

So far the brain scan has only been tested on adults but Dr Christine Ecker, leader of the study, said, ‘We think this approach will work even better with kids because the brain abnormalities you see in autism develop over the life span and they are most prominent during childhood.’

However, other experts have expressed concern that further research needs to be completed before the brain scan can be used by across the country.

By Lauren King