(MENAFN- The Peninsula) QNA
London, Scientists have taken the first step towards what they say could become a new blood and urine test for autism.
Researchers from the University of Warwick, tested children with and without the condition and found higher levels of protein damage in those with the disorder.
For this new study, researchers looked for chemical differences in the blood and urine of 38 autistic children and 31 children without the condition, all aged between five and 12.
In those with autism they found higher levels of protein damage - particularly in the blood plasma - which they said were associated with ill health.
Dr Naila Rabbani, from the University of Warwick, who led the study, said the tests could ultimately be used by doctors to diagnose autism earlier in childhood by detecting these markers, but she said the next step was to replicate the study's findings in other groups.
"I would really like to go forward with younger children, maybe two years, or even one year old, then the next step will be to validate in a larger cohort. Then the tests will be ready for screening." she added.
There are currently no biological tests to detect autism, as it is diagnosed through behavioral assessment by doctors.
Autism affects behavior and social interaction in particular, but it is difficult to diagnose before age two, and the diagnosis is often delayed for many years.
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