New test to detect autism in babies?
No question detecting autism at the earliest possible stage can be useful for implementing early treatment. But can autism really... Full Story »
Posted by Katie Stoiber - via Boston GlobeNo question detecting autism at the earliest possible stage can be useful for implementing early treatment. But can autism really... Full Story »
Posted by Katie Stoiber - via Boston Globe
(extra credit) This article addresses the fault lines of age and gender. The test to determine autism in infants is most effective for female babies 6 months of age, but then drops in accuracy after the baby turns 9 months. The test is also not as accurate for male infants. While any test to determine autism is welcome at this point because of the lack of complete knowledge regarding the causes and early symptoms of autism, the researchers should do more research as to WHY it is more accurate for girls than boys and why it CHANGES after they turn 9 months old. Autism is sometimes linked to environmental causes, so addressing geography and class (access to resources) might be other helpful fault lines to address.