摘要 |
The invention is based on the discovery that the levels of one or more methylxanthines in urine samples are significantly decreased in children diagnosed with symptoms of autistic disorder, compared to the levels in normal children, and that levels of xanthines in urine are increased in autistic children. Consequently, the presence in the urine of levels of methylxanthines below a certain range and the level of xanthine above a certain range, are diagnostic of autistic disorder. In another aspect, one or more of these methylxanthines can be used to treat individuals exhibiting symptoms of autistic disorder. |