Autism spectrum disorder is most often diagnosed only at the age of 3-5 years, although often later. In recent years, scientists have increasingly turned to the capabilities of artificial intelligence and computer models that should help the doctor pay attention to certain symptoms in a child in time. Researchers from the United States decided to conduct diagnostics in a game format and developed a technology for assessing the child's movements, which can be used to judge the presence of ASD.
During the diagnostics, the child is asked to repeat the dance movements of a video avatar for one minute. During this time, a computer assessment of the imitation of movements is carried out. The accuracy of the new system was assessed in 183 children aged 7 to 13 years. The results are published on the Kennedy Krieger Institute website.
The test showed 80% accuracy in identifying ASD and 70% accuracy in distinguishing ASD from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. “This is a very important advantage, since ADHD and autism often occur simultaneously and even experienced doctors have difficulty determining the diagnosis,” the authors emphasize.
The researchers now plan to adapt the diagnostics for young children, as well as expand testing for more serious developmental problems. The goal is to make it a simple, accurate, and patient- and physician-friendly tool that can be used in any medical setting.
Recently, other scientists have found signs of autism in disrupted gut microbiota. This discovery also suggests the possibility of creating a simple and accurate test for autism, regardless of gender, age, and other factors.
