New way to detect autism

SYDNEY, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney are incorporating both psychological and biological factors to detect autism.

Study author Florence Levy says the work relates to autistic and Asperger's disorders, which are characterized by ritualistic behaviors -- such as counting, tapping, flicking, or repeatedly restating information -- and compulsive behaviors including as a rigid adherence to routine and a marked resistance to change.

"Until now we have relied mostly on psychological approaches in making a diagnosis, but this needs to be incorporated with the biological approach -- utilizing information from brain mapping technology," Levy said in a statement.

"This may help medical professionals detect conditions such as Asperger's Disorder at an earlier stage -- this won't prevent it from developing, but it will help with remediation."

The findings are published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.