The brain scanner finds autism for 15 minutes

A team of British scientists has developed a brain scanner to detect autism. The machine was tested in adults and achieved 90% accuracy.

Scientists at the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College (University College London) say the scanner will take a picture of the entire brain as 3D images and will have a computer software that analyzes the signs of disease itself. in each of the different structures of the brain. They also say that the cost of a scan is only $ 160 - 20 times cheaper than current diagnostic tests in the UK for just 15 minutes!

For every 100 children there is a child with autism and mostly a boy. This rate is increasing. The scanners tested 59 men in their 20s and 68s, including 20 healthy adults. Researchers say they will soon be testing the scanner on children.

The diagnosis of autism in children often goes through a long series of tests on social interaction, communication, and imaginary skills. Accurate results are mainly due to the support of specialists, friends and relatives who have been watching the patient for long periods of time and often the diagnosis can not be made before 18 months or may be delayed. than.

"This machine will greatly reduce stress for patients and their families while waiting for diagnostic results , " said study team member Christine Ecker.

According to Dr Ecker, in England there are more than 600,000 adults with autism, but half of them are undetected. Around six in seven people in the world suffer from autism and related neurological disorders.

Source: Telegraph, Daily Mail