Now a team of University of Washington and Battelle scientists
have identified metabolites in urine that could potentially
predict young children at risk of developing autism. The varying
degrees and manifestations of this developmental brain condition
are collectively called autistic spectrum disorder. ASD is
characterized by impaired social interactions, difficulty in
communicating, and repetitive behaviors. Many other symptoms
also can be present, including anxiety, depression, learning
disabilities, sleep disorders, and gastrointestinal problems.
Currently, diagnosing a child with ASD requires a thorough
evaluation by a team of health professionals from a wide range
of specialties. Early intervention often can reduce or prevent
the more severe symptoms and disabilities associated with ASD.
Autism specialists and many other people look forward to a day
when a test for a biological marker might detect autism risk in
young children. To this end, Seattle researchers evaluated
porphyrins in the urine of childr