A Masculine Face Is A Possible Sign Of Autism, Study Says

Autism spectrum disorder face of autism 3-D autism scanner

By Lani Lane , Parent Herald Jul 26, 01:22 pm

A child's face is not just a simple part of the body. It sends signs that unveils mysteries in the inside of a person and discover disorders like autism.

Studies say that 3-D face scans can analyze signs of autism. Telethon Kids Institute researchers desires to see the 3-D face scanning technology to be help detect autism in children as young as one year old. This way, autism can be treated or the tendencies will be decreased.

Dr. Gail Alvares, a researcher with the autism team at Telethon Kids Institute, said that the study is initiated through a group of children between the ages of nine and 15 months who already have warning signs of autism. The faces of these kids already have signs of autism too. Alvares stated that "What we found is that boys who haven't been diagnosed with autism prior to puberty actually have more masculine faces,". Autism then is linked to testosterone exposure as a conclusion.

Some people have more testosterone than they should have. If females have an increased supply of it, it will show in the face. The problem here is with the boys. Some of them may not be diagnosed with autism prior to puberty because of the normal masculine faces.

The researchers from the University of Missouri tried to use the advanced 3D imaging and statistical analysis techniques. Through these, they have identified facial measurements in children with autism and they thought it will be a great leap towards designing a low-cost screening tool for young children so that autism will be detected and the genetic causes may also be discovered.

All studies may have been a confirmation for the notions about the similarities in the faces of people in the spectrum. Experts see that a portion of those diagnosed with autism tend to look similar facial characteristics.

The 3-D screen tool for autism does not have a perfect design yet. It is still important that you keep your child well examined in case you see signs of autism. Early treatment can save him or her from some lifetime difficulties.