Electroencephalography (EEG) recording net being used on a baby. EEG is the recording of the brain's spontaneous electrical activity over a short period of time. istockphoto
Measuring how quickly a child's brain processes sounds might help identify the severity of autism, according to a new study.
Observing children's brainwaves may also allow identification of autism earlier than is currently possible, the study authors reported.
"The finding that the brain's response to certain types of information is associated with autism severity is hugely promising," said senior researcher Sophie Molholm, an associate professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
"A major goal of autism research is to develop measurements to diagnose the disorder as early as possible, and that can help to identify areas of weakness, and strength, so that treatments can be optimized," Molholm said. "Our work shows that measuring brain activity is a viable approach to achieving these goals."
The findings were published in the Sept. 22 online edition of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
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Researchers have flagged certain behaviors that may be early signs of autism, including abnormal repetitive behaviors and delayed communication. ...
Approximately one in 68 children has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the experience of autism for these children differs significantly in terms of their symptoms and impairments.
Molholm's past research found that among children with autism, the brain takes slightly longer -- measured only in milliseconds -- to process sounds, sights and other sensory information.
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Brainwave test may help diagnose autism