Autism can be diagnosed with a simple EEG test, says study

A simple EEG test may be all that is needed to find autism in children, says a new study.

Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, in a study of 1000 children, were able to find patterns in brain activity in those who have autism, reported Fox News.

An EEG test, or Electroencephalography, looks at electrical activity in the brain using electrodes that are fitted on to the scalp of the patient.

Autism is difficult to detect and appears differently with varying severity in people.

A common symptom is difficulty with social interaction.

Read more on GlobalPost3D printing – Your body parts made to order.

According to Medical News Today, the study found that those children with autism had poor short range connectivity in the left hemisphere of the brain.

They also found increased connectivity in other regions.

BBC reported that researchers suspect that the brain's increased connectivity in some parts were compensating for reduced connectivity in other parts.

The study may help diagnose autism earlier in life and even test whether treatment for the illness is working.

The research was published in the journal PloS One.

Will you support The World with a monthly donation?

There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!