15-minute brain scan could test for autism

Children could in future be screened for autism using a 15-minute brain scan developed by British scientists.

The technique, which assesses structural changes in the brain, has already been tested on adults and shown to have an accuracy of 90 per cent.

In as little as two years it could start to revolutionise the way psychiatrists diagnose the developmental disorder which affects more than 500,000 people in the UK.

Not only is the method far quicker than conventional ways of identifying autism, but up to 20 times more cost effective.

At present, the disorder is chiefly diagnosed by observing behavioural traits using a battery of tests. The process can take a whole day, involve an entire team of clinicians, and cost as much as £2,000. The brain scans take a matter of minutes and cost between £100 and £200.

Although it is likely to be used as an extra diagnostic tool at first, in time the technique could replace observational assessments completely, the researchers believe.