How early can autism be detected? Imaging may yield clues

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Is there a difference in the brains of young children who are autistic? Studies underway are using MRIs in the siblings of children with autism to determine whether there are changes that can be seen before a year of age. A nationwide study underway is matching parents of autistic children who also have younger children, under a year of age, who may be at risk for developing autism, with free MRIs to see if they can detect differences in their brains that may hint at very early signs.