Researchers from the University of Fukui have found a potential link between fatty acids in umbilical cord blood and autism risk. Their study identified diHETrE, a compound derived from arachidonic acid, as potentially influencing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) severity. Higher levels of diHETrE were associated with difficulties in social interactions, while lower levels were linked to repetitive behaviors, particularly in girls. Although this study, published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, suggests that measuring diHETrE at birth could help predict ASD risk and guide early intervention, it remains exploratory. Yale’s James McPartland cautions that the research is still in preliminary stages and not yet applicable for clinical diagnosis or prevention. More rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings and their practical applications in ASD diagnostics and treatment.
Scientists May Have Discovered the Cause of Autism
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