Brain scan breakthrough: new MRI method could spot autism in kids

NCT ID NCT02165410

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether a special MRI technique called ASL-MRI can measure blood flow in the brains of children with autism. The goal was to see if this could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, similar to PET scans but without radiation. Researchers studied 115 children aged 5 to 17 with autism or suspected autism, comparing MRI results with other methods like eye tracking.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive MRI-based method to help diagnose autism in children.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage observational study, not a treatment trial. The results may not translate into a reliable diagnostic test for all cases.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades Service de Radiologie Pédiatrique

    Paris, 75743, France

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