Landmark research from the UC-Davis Mind Institute finds a link between certain antibodies in a mother's blood and babies born with autism.
The six antibodies may be causing nearly one quarter of all autism cases.
So what could this information eventually provide? New mothers who test positive would know there's a good chance their child will be autistic and could seek early intervention.
Women who haven't conceived could make an informed decision about having a baby.But the ultimate goal is treatment.
This finding is in a very early stage and the test is not yet ready for widespread use.