Blood Test on the Way for Early Autism Diagnosis

Researchers have identified an exclusive blood marker related to autism. Using their findings, they are currently planning blood tests that can identify the condition early, before the actual symptoms start displaying.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which starts normally by age three, is a developmental disorder that leads to significant social, communication and behavioral changes. Nearly one in every 88 children in the United States is affected with this disorder.

Till date, no medical or blood test is available for an early diagnosis of this condition that stays through a person's life. Autism starts normally by the age of three and is diagnosed by the age of five. The behavior and development of the child are some factors used by health practitioners to determine the disorder.

A team of researchers, including Dr. Derrick MacFabe of Western and Drs. Richard Frye and Stepan Melynk of Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute in Little Rock, Ark., noticed the presence of an abnormal energy metabolism in autistic children. Genetic factors and certain types of bacteria found in the guts of autistic persons were found contributing to this occurrence.

For the study, researchers looked at 213 autistic children. Of the total participants, about 17 percent possessed acyl-carnitines - a specific blood marker of fat metabolism - and abnormal cellular energy function, including low glutathione.

"Autism spectrum disorders affect up to one in 88 individuals. And the number appears to be increasing. Many have digestive and metabolic issues, but how they may relate to ASD behaviours and the increase of occurrence were unclear," MacFabe said in a news release.

"This study suggests that autism in some patients can arise from alterations in mitochondrial function and fat metabolism following environmental exposure to propionic acid produced from ASD associated gut bacteria."

The findings of the study have been published in the journal Translational Psychiatry.