Interesting read
regarding a new test for autism. From an office that preaches nutrition,
especially for pregnant mom's and babies, this is an interesting study that
could help with early detection and possibly even prevention.
Washington, September
13 (ANI): Australian researchers have come out with a genetic
test that can predict the risk of developing Autism Spectrum
Disorder, ASD.
Lead researcher
Professor Stan Skafidas, Director of the Centre for Neural
Engineering at the University of Melbourne said the test could
be used to assess the risk for developing the disorder.
"This test could
assist in the early detection of the condition in babies and children and help
in the early management of those who become diagnosed," he said.
"It would be
particularly relevant for families who have a history of Autism or related
conditions such as Asperger's Syndrome," he noted.
Autism affects around
one in 150 births and is characterized by abnormal social interaction, impaired
communication and repetitive behaviors.
The test correctly
predicted ASD with more than 70 per cent accuracy in people of central European
descent. Ongoing validation tests are continuing including the development of
accurate testing for other ethnic groups.
Clinical
neuropsychologist, Dr Renee Testa from the University of Melbourne and Monash
University, said the test would allow clinicians to provide early interventions
that may reduce behavioural and cognitive difficulties that children and adults
with ASD experience.
"Early
identification of risk means we can provide interventions to improve overall
functioning for those affected, including families," she said.
A genetic cause has
been long sought with many genes implicated in the condition, but no single
gene has been adequate for determining risk.
Using US data from
3,346 individuals with ASD and 4,165 of their relatives from Autism
Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and Simons Foundation Autism
Research Initiative (SFARI), the researchers identified 237 genetic
markers (SNPs) in 146 genes and related cellular pathways that either
contribute to or protect an individual from developing ASD.
Senior author
Professor Christos Pantelis of the Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre at the
University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health said the discovery of the
combination of contributing and protective gene markers and their interaction
had helped to develop a very promising predictive ASD test.
The test is based on
measuring both genetic markers of risk and protection for ASD. The risk markers
increase the score on the genetic test, while the protective markers decrease
the score. The higher the overall score, the higher the individual risk.
"This has been a
multidisciplinary team effort with expertise across fields providing new ways
of investigating this complex condition," Professor Pantelis said.
The study was
undertaken in collaboration with Professor Ian Everall, Cato Chair in
Psychiatry and Dr Gursharan Chana from the University of Melbourne and
Melbourne Health, and Dr Daniela Zantomio from Austin Health.
The next step is to
further assess the accuracy of the test by monitoring children who are not yet
diagnosed over an extended study. (ANI)
