Can umbilical cord blood help with early autism diagnosis?
Researchers have discovered cord blood of new born babies might help doctors with the early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
As we know, many children with autism face challenges which affect their behaviour and development.
A study by a team at the University of California David MIND Institute has found the cord blood has a distinct signature associated with early foetal brain development.
In the U.S one in 59 children is diagnosed with ASD and it is more prevalent in boys.
The researchers say by testing cord blood and diagnosing the condition early, treatment and support can begin earlier.