Predicting Autism: Brain Scans Detect Signs in High Risk Infants

Researchers at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) at Washington University in St. Louis participated in a national study that successfully predicted autism in infants with a family history of the disorder. Brain scans were used to tell in advance if infants, who have an older sibling with autism, will also develop the disorder. Using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, researchers were able to predict autism with 80% accuracy before baby’s first birthday.

Kelly Botteron, MD, talks to NBC’s TODAY Show about the breakthrough study.