New tests develop to help diagnose autism in children

New blood and urine tests have been developed by the University of Warwick that could lead to the earlier detection of autism spectrum disorders.

Researchers have found a link between autism and damage to proteins in blood plasma by oxidation and glycation, processes where reactive oxygen species and sugar molecules spontaneously modify proteins.

As such, it was determined that tests that examine protein in blood plasma to look for higher levels of the oxidation marker dityrosine and sugar-modified compounds called advanced glycation endproducts could be effective in helping to diagnose autism.

This confirmed the previously-held belief that mutations of amino acid transporters are a genetic variant associated with autism spectrum disorder, and could open the door for autism to be detected at an earlier stage of development than is currently possible.

Dr Naila Rabbani, reader of experimental systems biology at the University of Warwick, said: "Our discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention; we hope the tests will also reveal new causative factors. With further testing, we may reveal specific plasma and urinary profiles, or 'fingerprints', of compounds with damaging modifications."

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