Researchers use MRI scans to attempt to detect autism in children at earlier ages

The University of Utah is currently attempting to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in an effort to diagnose children with autism at an earlier age.

The procedure locates areas of the brain where the left and right hemispheres do not communicate properly, researchers say. Furthermore, these regions in the brain control motor skills, attention, facial recognition and social behavior. The study reveals that communication deficits can occur between both regions of the brain in people who have autism.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who suffer from autism can have trouble understanding other people's feelings, have difficulty speaking and relating to people, as well as appear unaware when others are talking to them but respond to other sounds.

However, people who have autism may find therapeutic boarding schools as an alternative to traditional schools because the educational institution combines innovative, one-on-one learning to help achieve success socially.

The CDC reports that an average of one in 110 children in the U.S. has an autism spectrum disorder.