Research by doctors from Shanghai’sXinhuaHospital and experts fromFudanUniversity and Cambridge University has found that a common pediatric diuretic has positive effects on autism.

Autism, a developmental disorder that can cause communication and behavioral problems, usually develops at the age of 3 and can be a life-long condition. About 1 percent of the world’s population suffers from autism. Treatment is mainly behavior intervention, as there is no medication that has a good effect.

But behavior intervention is in short supply. Even in developed countries only 20 percent of children can receive intervention and direction after being diagnosed for one year.

Effective medication is badly needed, especially for young children whose neurons are still developing, experts say.

“Bumetanideis a common pediatric diuretic, which is cheap, mild and has slight side effects,” said Dr LiFeifromXinhuaHospital, leading expert in the research.

“Through non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy technology, we conducted a clinical trial by using bumetanideon autistic children between 3 and 6 years old. Those taking the medicine for three months had a great improvement in communication and perception and the medicine is safe and effective.”