Clinic Notes: Children with Autism Have Unique Faces

A recent study at the University of Missouri found that different facial characteristics could be used to diagnosis children with autism. The facial characteristics are not so prominent that children could be picked out in a crowd as is the case with Down’s or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The diagnostic facial features are measured from 3 dimensional images taken of the face. Children with autism had statistically broader upper faces, wider eyes, a wider mouth and a wider philtrum. These features were formed before birth so this would imply a genetic cause of autism.