Brain Anatomy Differences Can Predict Autism in Toddlers

Researchers found that differences in functional links between brain areas at an age of six months can predict autism at an age of two. MRIs of six years olds were used by autism researchers for the very first time. It helped in showing synchronizations and connections of brain regions.

The MRIs further helped in diagnosing which infant is on high risk of developing autism. A second type of brain biomarker was identified by researchers and clinicians and it was published in Science Translational Medicine.  This paper helps in identifying children with autism even before autism’s symptoms appear.

Neural activity of sleeping infants was viewed through MRI machine. It scanned for about 15 minutes across 230 different brain regions. This study showed synchronization of different brain regions and how their coordinated activity is important for cognition, memory and behavior.

Content: www.sciencedaily.com