In a study funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) UK scientists at The Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College, London have developed a pioneering new way of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in adults.
The scientists use a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner to take pictures of the brain. A separate imaging technique then reconstructs these scans into 3D images that a computer algorithm can assess for structure, shape and thickness. The computer software is programmed to pick up hallmarks of autism in the structure of different areas of the brain. For example, changes in the volume of the basal ganglia, which regulates movement, may result in the repetitive behaviour seen frequently in people with ASD.
All these intricate measurements can reveal ASD at its roots. The computer can quickly pinpoint biological markers to assess whether or not a person has ASD.
In trials on adults, the test has already proved to be 90% accurate. The same method could lead to the screening for ASD in children in the future.
The method is much quicker than conventional ways of identifying autism, and up to 20 times more cost effective. Currently, the diagnostic process can take a whole day or more involving a team of clinicians and costing as much as £2,000. This is time-consuming and expensive, and may delay children from receiving appropriate help and support. The new brain scan method takes about 15 minutes and costs between £100 and £200.
The research team believes that the new method is likely to be used as an extra diagnostic tool initially but could, in time, replace the current observational assessments completely. The team estimates that in two years’ time, this method could start to revolutionise how psychiatrists diagnose the disorder.
ASD is caused by abnormalities in brain development. It affects more than 500,000 people in Britain alone (about 1% of the population). The majority of those with ASD are male (4:1 male to female). Until now, diagnosis has been a long and drawn-out process relying mainly on anecdotal accounts from those close to the person, teachers and other professionals along with checklists of observed behaviours. Diagnosis hinged on the reliability of these accounts and required a team of experts to interpret the information. Although ASD manifests differently in people, three main signs, referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’ are apparent. They are , impairments of communication, and impairments in the flexibility of thought (imagination).
Dr Christine Ecker, a leading member of the Institute of Psychiatry team, said that if the test works with adults, it will work even better with children.
