British Broadcasting Corporation

BBC RADIO 4

Today Weekdays 6-9am and Saturdays 7-9am

BBC News
Today
Listen again
About Today
How to listen to Today
Contact Today
Page last updated at 09:07 GMT, Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Prenatal tests for autism 'close'

A leading academic has warned that the prospect of a prenatal test for autism is drawing closer. In an article to be published on the BBC Health website Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, of the Autism Research Centre, says a test could be up and running within five years, so a debate is needed now about its merits and drawbacks. Professor Joy Delhanty, professor of human genetics at University College London, says when you screen for anything there is always a risk that you lose some unique characteristics.

Story Tools

Editor's Choice

Policing Board headquarters in Belfast Northern Ireland dissident threat 'deeply personal'

Cockermouth Cockermouth reeling from floods

Oman flag UK helped plan' Oman coup
Skip to top

PRODUCTS & SERVICES

Explore the BBC

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.
Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific