Babies wanted for autism study

Children, aged up to two years old, will be monitored by scientists at Durham University to see how they respond to different images, sounds and actions.

Each child will be fitted with a cap with sensors attached so their brain activity can be recorded.

Psychologist Dr Vincent Reid said: "We don't yet know enough about how the brains of very young babies develop and how they react to things.

"It is vital we know more so we can identify problems and developmental delays much earlier which could lead to earlier diagnosis of conditions such as autism."

The National Autistic Society describes autism as a lifelong developmental disability.

People who suffer from autism have difficulty with social communication and interaction.