MU Researchers Hope to Design Formula for Earlier Autism Detection
Thursday, August 28, 2008
By: Carin Yavorcik

Study looks at facial structures, brain abnormalities

University of Missouri researchers are studying 3-D imaging to reveal correlations in the facial features and brain structures of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which they hope will enable them to develop a formula for earlier detection of the disorder.

Ye Duan, assistant computer science professor in the MU College of Engineering, is working in collaboration with researchers at the MU Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders to create a facial imaging system that will make identical measurements of the faces of children with ASD. In conjunction with these efforts, the researchers are studying 3-D imaging of various segments of the brain in children with ASD, which allows them to compare the brain structures of children with autism to their typically developing peers.

“Once we have created a formula, we can pre-screen children by performing a quick, non-invasive scan of each child’s face and brain to check for abnormalities. Early detection is crucial in treating children and preparing families,” said Duan in a release.

Learn more from the University of Missouri.