text_1: Quick brain scan could screen for autism
text_2: The enthusiasm this story effuses about a new brain scanning technology to diagnose autism may well be warranted. But it fails to give more than the most cursory of cautions about the early stage of this research and the tough road that lies ahead. The story makes it sound like we are a slam dunk away from seeing this test at the local radiology clinic. In reality, much larger studies with a much greater range of patients will be needed to tell whether the scan is effective enough to be widely used. Autism is difficult to diagnose due to its many different causes and symptoms and because it often occurs with other similar neurodevelopmental disorders. A fast and accurate diagnostic brain scan would take much of the uncertainty out of the diagnostic process and would hopefully speed treatment and other support services to patients.