Autism's Brain Activity Captured in Diagnostic Test, Boston Children's Hospital Study

Characteristic patterns of electrical brain activity seen in children with autism could provide a new test for diagnosing the condition. At present, autism is diagnosed by carefully observing a child's behaviour and assessing their clinical history. Now, Frank Duffy of Boston Children's Hospital and colleague Heidelise Als have developed an electroencephalogram (EEG) test that involves placing 24 electrodes on a child's scalp.