Brain Waves Detect Babies' Potential Risk of Autism

Feb. 22, 2011— -- A simple checklist for behavioral signs and symptoms is all that is used by specialists to diagnose a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Although it is one of the fastest growing diagnoses among toddlers, there are no medical tests to screen for the disorder.

But a new study adds to mounting evidence that measuring brain activity during infancy could help determine whether a baby might be at higher risk of developing autism.

Researchers used electroencephalography, or an EEG, to measure the brain waves of nearly 80 babies from the time they were 6 months old until they reached age 2. Researchers found those who were already known to be at higher risk for autism -- those who had an older sibling on the spectrum -- showed a different brain wave pattern than those with no known risk for the disorder.

Current tests to diagnose autism look at a child's change in behavior, which often becomes apparent when a child reaches around 2 years old. Many experts say the earlier they can diagnose and start behavioral therapies, the easier it will be to manage the disorder.

"This is why predictive markers will be so valuable," said Sarah Paterson, director of the infant and toddler research program within the Center for Autism Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

According to the study, at as early as 9 months old, many of the infants that were already shown to be at greater risk for autism showed abnormal activity in the front left side of the brain, which is involved in language and social development.