TRACE ELEMENT CONCENTRATIONS IN HAIR FROM AUTISTIC CHILDREN

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Abstract
The concentrations of 14 elements were determined in scalp hair samples from control, autistic and autistic-like children. Significant differences were noted between normal males and females for Ca, Mg and Hg. The autistic population had significantly lower levels of Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn and Cr and higher levels of Li as compared to sex- and age-matched controls. Children with autistic features (autistic-like), classified as having childhood-onset pervasive disorder, had lower levels of Mg, Cd, Co and Mn as compared to controls. Discriminant function analysis using the 14 trace elements correctly classified 90.5% of the normal and 100% of the autistic population. Using a stepwise procedure, the 5 elements with the greatest discriminatory power were Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr and Li. Analysis based on these 5 trace elements led to the correct classification of 85.7% of the normal and 91.7% of the autistic group. Results indicate that the concentrations of trace elements in hair from normal children differ from patterns observed in both autistic and autistic-like children. Furthermore, evidence suggests that hair analysis may have potential use as a diagnostic tool for autism.