Updated: Sun Oct. 04 2009 19:34:32
ctvottawa.ca
A simple brain scan could be the answer to autism, according to the findings of Dr. Fernando Miranda. The neurologist is trying to change the way autism diagnosis is handled worldwide.
"I have a child that comes to me and mom says 'why is my child not talking?' We know that speech is in the brain. What's going on in his brain," said Miranda.
The doctor says a closer look at the brain could reveal an autistic child is not autistic at all. At least that was the case for some of her patients.
"I heard everything from a resident at UC telling me he would never advance beyond the intellect of an 18 month old to the school district telling me that he'd probably have to have a companion for the rest of his life," said Sarah Kavanagh.
Beckett Kavanagh's parents came to Dr. Miranda after being told he was beyond help.
It turns out Beckett is not autistic. He has a brain seizure disorder that can seem like autism. The discovery was made after Dr. Miranda ordered an MRI.
