IF OXFORD scientists really are on the brink of developing a blood test to help diagnose autism as the Oxford Mail suggests, then I think this will prove an important breakthrough. But I hope the findings are reported sensibly and factually.

We have been reminded recently how genuine concern about autistic disorders can be manipulated by individuals who stand to gain from making assessments.

The furore over MMR led to years of confusion about what was a safe course over action and saw children’s health put at risk because of the prominence given to one person’s views about autism that were not backed up by sufficient evidence.

I hope that the idea of a test, which would use a few drops of blood to allow doctors to analyse a patient’s DNA, will lead to ways of pioneering treatment that will benefit everyone at large rather than be an excuse for scaremongering.

ANNE WILLIAMS, North Oxford