Urine Test For Autism 228
An anonymous reader writes "Defining and diagnosing autism has been a controversial process — but may be a little less so now. Children with autism have a different chemical fingerprint in their urine than non-autistic children, according to new research. The difference stems from a previously documented difference in gut bacteria found in autistic individuals. The possibility of a simple pee test matters because currently, children are assessed for autism through a lengthy testing process that explores a child's social interaction, communication, and imaginative skills. Being able to identify the condition earlier and at a lower cost could leave more time and money for treatment."
Diet? (Score:5, Interesting)
Maybe these kids just aren't eating what other kids are eating.
Sadly even my university access doesnt extend to the Journal of Proteome Research without me stumping up $30 for two days of access, so I can't check the statistics. They had a sample of 39 (35M + 4F) autistic children, their 28 siblings (14M+14F), and 34 age-matched controls (17F+17M). Don't know why they didnt age- and sex-match the controls.
Pretty small sample, and if you look for enough different proteins in urine you might well find something different.
NEEDS MOAR DATA! And an open access journal!
Re:Labeling (Score:3, Interesting)
First, the earlier doctors can identify it, the more likely it is that scientists will be able to identify the very first expression of whatever gene causes it, and thus eventually prevent that change in others. They might even find that there's some underlying environmental cause that triggers said gene expression, in which case it could be eliminated entirely through early enough testing and treatment. Either way, identifying it early enough is key to being able to find the root cause.
Second, the earlier autism is identified in a kid, the more likely that behavioral therapy [neurologychannel.com] will produce a more functional adult.
Autistic Diet (Score:4, Interesting)
Maybe these kids just aren't eating what other kids are eating.
Exactly what I was thinking, it is well known that autistic persons tend to be notoriously picky about their diet. This is one of the main explanations for the findings of abnormal gut flora (and the contentious alternative that the casual link goes the other direction).
Which is not to say that the casual link between bacteria and autism necessarily only flows one way, it could be both. For instance, consider a hypothetical "basic autism" -> very picky eating -> abnormal gut flora -> additional problems that get lumped in with "autism symptoms". What I'm curious to know if anyone's tried a "Fecal Transplant" [wikipedia.org] to normalize an autistic person's gut bacteria.
Re:Labeling (Score:1, Interesting)
Oh no, it won't. Don't underestimate the power of a mentally ill parent. I _had_ a friend who's son had hearing problems. He could hear perfectly fine, but he had hearing problems and his life was going to be difficult, dammit!! He did become pretty good at sign language. Then, unfortunately he began to speak.
When the deafness fell through he was ADD. Then he had Aspergers syndrome. Now he's Autistic and in a "special" class. (Translation - stealing time that the instructor could be using on the actual Autistic kids.)
When the "next big thing" is discovered I'm sure the kid will have that as well.
So the early claims must be true then (Score:1, Interesting)
That the trigger for the condition is related to gastro-intestinal problems, like the ones that mercury based preservatives in some of the vaccines causes.
Hmm, interesting...
Re:screening for young engineers (Score:1, Interesting)
I've know a lot of excellent engineers in my time. I can think of maybe one that was borderline Asperger's syndrome but none that could be classified as Autistic. Far too many people think "slightly odd and lacking in social skills" means autistic. Well, that might be someone who have some of the genetic markers for autism. They should probably think twice before marrying someone who is similarly odd. They might get an autistic child. And autistic people do not tend to be brilliant. A couple percent might be savants, but most are in the IQ range below 85 and have no special skills in math or engineers. But they do tend to remember all their letters at a younger age than normal children. And they memorize some words early, but don't really get the idea that letters make up words in a way that would allow them to see a new word and figure out what it is. They might 't','h','e' or they'll see 'the' but not both. In they same way they might be able to read the words, but not understand the sentence.
If you put a random autistic person at a desk they might start rocking back and forth, or they might trace the horizontal lines of the desk back and forth. They might grab the mouse and run it back and forth over the mouse pad while watching at extremely close range. They will not design something.
Almost all of those people on the net who claim to be autistic are really just odd and bad tempered. Autism is just an excuse for that. Also, because some people seem to think autistic people are geniuses it makes those odd and bad tempered people feel good about themselves.
Re:Labeling (Score:4, Interesting)
It isn't like you'll suddenly stop being autistic because you forgot you had it.
As someone with Asperger's, my experience has shown it to be much the opposite.
I have developed certain behaviours when it comes to dealing with people, but they still require me to be conscious of the situation. As soon as I stop doing so, I usually slip back into my old behaviours.
Re:3 fluid ounces (Score:1, Interesting)
3 fluid ounces, definitely 3 fluid ounces.
My son is autistic. From where does the information come that it can now be detected through urine? Is there a science magazine source?
Embrace the difference! (Score:3, Interesting)
If the condition does have benefits, then is treatment the right approach? The typical goal of treatment is to "reduce you to normal," presumably so you don't bother other people. But from the society point of view, that's very counterproductive. Society at large will benefit from more geniuses.It would probably benefit even more if we learned to accomodate them!