Professor Kristina Aldridge, who led the study, found children with autism have -
'There is no clear answer about whether autism is caused by genetics or by environmental influences.
'If we can identify when these facial changes occur, we could pinpoint when autism may begin to develop in a child.
'Knowing that point in time could lead us to identify a genetic cause, a window of time when the embryo may be susceptible to an environmental factor, or both.'
The study analysed 64 boys with autism and 41 typically developing boys aged eight to 12-years-old, using a camera system that captures a 3-D image of each child’s head.
They then mapped 17 points on the face, such as the corner of the eye and the divot in the upper lip beneath the nose.
When they calculated the overall geometry of the face using these points, and compared children with autism and those without, they found statistically significant differences in face shape.
Professor Aldridge said the study also found there were two sub groups within the group of autistic children.
She said there were further distinct facial traits in children who had more severe behaviour and language problems compared to those with milder symptoms.
The scientists hope that by identifying these subgroups will reveal why autism covers such a wide range of severity of the condition.
Professor Kristina Aldridge mapped 17 points on the face and then calculated the distances between each of the points to determine if there were differences in the shape of the face.
Researchers used a camera system that simultaneously captured four images to create a 3-D model of each child's head.
Although this research has found some interesting similarities, there is still a degree of doubt from many quarters. What I do commend myself, is the continued research from people like Professor Aldridge, for whom without their keen interest, and hard work, we might not progress as rapidly in the understanding, causes, differing severity, and perhaps even cures.
