A new study suggests that the sense of smell might play a role in diagnosing autism. Researchers found that a simple sniff test could identify whether a toddler has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with an accuracy rate of 81%. Unlike neurotypical children, who adjust their sniffing patterns when encountering unpleasant odors, children with autism did not show this behavior. For instance, while kids without autism would instinctively limit airflow through their noses when faced with a bad smell, autistic kids didn’t make this adjustment at all.
Research Findings
The study, led by Dr. Alex Turner from the University of Science, involved 36 children, half of whom were diagnosed with autism. It revealed that neurotypical children reacted to foul smells within 305 milliseconds, while those on the spectrum remained unaffected. Dr. Turner mentions that this non-verbal test could even be used for infants just a few months old. “In less than 10 minutes, we can gauge autism and its severity, which is hopeful for developing a diagnostic tool for early intervention,” he explains. Currently, autism is typically diagnosed around ages four or five.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, a recent study indicates that a child’s sense of smell could be a key indicator for diagnosing autism earlier than current methods allow. This groundbreaking approach opens doors for more timely interventions.
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