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Autistica’s researchers at BASIS are working with infants and their families to find the very first signs of autism in babies and develop new treatments so that support can be given as early as possible. The aim is to share this research with doctors across the country so that it has a real impact.
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Beneficiaries
Situation
600,000 people in the UK have autism. Autism affects each person uniquely, but for too many, autism is a lifelong struggle. Parents typically notice that something is different about the way their child is developing at around 18 months old, however the average age of diagnosis is currently five years. The delay in diagnosis not only causes great strain and uncertainty for families, but also means key opportunities for intervention are missed, at a time when it could be make the most difference.
Solution
BASIS is working with over 400 families nationwide to understand the very earliest signs of autism in infants, with the ultimate aim of developing a marker to support earlier diagnosis. To date the team have made significant discoveries, such as finding autism markers in infants as young as four months. BASIS shares its findings through a network of 32 affiliated projects, and through overseas collaboration, so that all children with autism can have the very best start in life.