I just came across this article on DisabilityScoop that details the recent findings that kids with autism have different protien levels in their saliva than those who don't have ASD. Just published in the journal Autism Research, the study has quite a small sample size (n=12), but nevertheless presents intriguing results that they are currently investigating with 32 more children. Also of interest is the fact that they are collaborating with a neuropsychologist on the new study. The results of the saliva "test" will be compared to behavioral measures to look for patterns and correlations.
Might this saliva test someday be used with infants as a predictive measure, opening doors to early intervention from the first days of life? If so, what do you think about that possibility?
