The Big Question: Should mothers be offered screening for autism, and what issues would it raise?

January 13, 2009

A pre-natal test for autism moved a step closer yesterday with the announcement by scientists at the University of Cambridge that high levels of the male hormone testosterone in the amniotic fluid surrounding the foetus in the womb may serve as an early warning signal of the condition.

Researchers led by Prof Simon Baron-Cohen, the autism expert, say the discovery raises the possibility that an amniocentesis test similar to that performed for Down’s syndrome could be offered to mothers in the future. (The Independent)