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New research may reveal early indicator of autism

By Staff Writer

Researchers from Columbia University recently announced that a new study indicates that functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be a useful tool in detecting autism early.

In order to conduct the study, researchers performed fMRI exams on 15 healthy children and 12 autistic children who had language impairments. Using the tool, professionals then measured neural activity in working brain tissues as the children listened to recordings of their parents talking to them.

Results from the measurements showed that activation levels in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) were greater for healthy children than autistic youths, meaning that this part of the brain was not as sensitive to language narratives.

Based on these results, researchers speculate that they can use similar fMRI tests as early indicators of autism in children.

According to Autism Speaks, one in every 110 children has this disorder.

Parents who feel that they cannot properly manage their autistic child may want to consider enrolling him or her in a therapeutic boarding school. Typically, staff at these institutions are trained to assist youths who have similar disorders.

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