Test which is 90% accurate could help to diagnose autism

A blood test could help to diagnose autism in children by detecting early warning signs. It is almost 90 per cent accurate and could be available to doctors within a year, scientists at the University of Warwick say. Their test, which delivers a result within four hours, is believed to pick up damage in the blood that mirrors brain problems linked to autistic symptoms. Study leader Dr Naila Rabbani said: 'We have been working for five years on this test, believing it would be beneficial to children and their parents to identify the problem and provide intervention therapy at an earlier point. 'More research is needed to identify if the same biomarkers are found in younger children, but we are determined to take this forward to the level where it could be available on the NHS.' Around 700,000 people in Britain – approximately one in 100 – are believed to be autistic.