Biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder – A review

Abstract

Autism is a disorder that is increasing many folds in incidence and is now considered an epidemic. There are no objective ways to confirm the disorder. Diagnosis is formed subjectively, supported by the perceived behavior of the subject. Therapeutic interventions have better results when started early in life in autism spectrum disorder, yet diagnosis often remains delayed, partly because it mainly relied on identifying abnormal behaviors which will be delayed or not emerge until the disorder is well established. Even so, many promising areas of research have disclosed abnormal biological processes that are related to ASD. Biomarkers that are identified on children who are at risk during the pre-symptomatic period can assist with early diagnosis, confirm behavioral observations, stratify patients into subgroups, and predict therapeutic response. Knowledge of the numerous biomarkers of ASD is important as it can go a long way in the early diagnosis of the condition and some may predict response to specific treatments. Through this review, we intend to give an insight into various biomarkers of ASD that have to date been established for its diagnosis and intervention. It's likely that biomarkers should be combined with other parameters to be effective to identify ASD early and guide proper therapeutic interventions.