Scientists are working on a blood test for autism.
Researcher Professor Naila Rabbani says early results are “promising”.
Professor Naila Rabbani is developing a blood test for autism and hopes to publish her results in the spring
Rabbani, of Qatar University, says she is now validating the blood test and should be able to publish her findings in March or April.
Details first emerged about Rabbani’s work four years ago when she was working on the test at Warwick University.
It’s hoped it could lead to earlier detection of autism so children can get help sooner.
Urine test abandoned
Originally, the researchers found a link between autism and damaged proteins in blood.
Collaborators at the University of Bologna, Italy, recruited 38 autistic children and a control group of 31 children.
The medics took blood and urine samples from the children for analysis. They were working on a urine test as well as a blood test at the time, but abandoned the urine test.
The researchers discovered chemical differences between the two groups.
They combined changes in multiple compounds using a mathematical equation, or algorithm, to distinguish between autistic children and their neurotypical peers in the research.
The outcome was a diagnostic test better than any method currently available, the researchers claimed.
Blood test is ‘not enough’
Dr Amanda Roestorf is the head of research for charity Autistica.
She said aiming to diagnose autism through an effective measure is “not enough”.
She added: “We should aim to understand more about the pathways to support autistic people and families based on individual strengths, needs, and health risks, across the lifespan.”
Medics currently diagnose autism through a set of behavioural characteristics that focuses on problems with social and communication skills.
A blood test holds out the possibility of a diagnosis rooted in science and objectivity, whereas observing behaviours will always involve an element of interpretation.
Related:
- Saliva could be used to test for autism
- First self-assessment test for autism
- Tests developed to detect autism
- New test heralds early autism diagnosis
- Test to diagnose face blindness
- Simple eye test may help detect autism
Published: 6 January 2023
