2006: Placental Trophoblast Inclusions in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered in the placenta what may be the earliest marker for autism, possibly helping physicians diagnose the condition at birth, rather than the standard age of two or older.

The earliest indicator yet of autism may be the presence of flawed cells in the placenta, scientists have discovered. The findings could lead to earlier diagnosis of the developmental disorder that affects approximately one in every 200 children and can result in learning difficulties, speech problems and difficulty relating to people.

The placenta may hold clues to autism, researchers here reported. Preserved placentas from children later diagnosed with autism were three times more likely to contain trophoblastic inclusions (markers for cellular abnormalities) than are placentas from children with normal development, according to Harvey J. Kliman, M.D., Ph.D., of Yale, and colleagues.

However, earlier diagnosis can go a long way toward optimizing outcomes by allowing application of early intervention techniques, as well as helping parents to obtain necessary services and the time to adjust to the special needs of their child. In the past few years, diagnosis at an age of 2 years has become more reliable, but this still requires that parents are aware of the early warning signs and seek out a diagnosis.

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have discovered in the placenta what may be the earliest marker for autism, possibly helping physicians diagnose the condition at birth, rather than the standard age of two or older.