Possible biomarker for autism identified in cerebrospinal fluid

Written by Sharon Salt, Editor

Scientists from Stanford University (CA, USA) have revealed new findings that may link vasopressin to social behavior in monkeys and autism in children. Low vasopressin in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was related to less sociability in both species, indicating that the hormone could be a potential biomarker for autism. Autism affects one in 68 children in the USA and research has demonstrated that early, intensive behavioral treatment is beneficial. However, many children do not receive a timely diagnosis. “Since autism affects the brain, it’s really hard to access the biology of the condition to know what might be altered,” commented Karen...

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