Salivary micro RNA expression in autism

To investigate the possible use of saliva micro RNA as a diagnostic biomarker in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we completed a case control study of 24 ASD and 21 non-ASD children. In addition to a single saliva collection, each participant underwent thorough neuropsychologic evaluation including current autism rating scales (the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale, ADOS; the Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2nd Edition, CARS; and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale). Expression of salivary micro RNA was measured by next generation sequencing. Statistical analyses included correlation testing with neuropsychological and medical variables, as well as multivariate logistic regression classification.