Smart Technology Helps Doctors Spot Autism Earlier

In an ongoing study, researchers at Florida State University are spearheading a project that will screen infants for autism biomarkers using smart technology (smart phone, tablet, computer, etc.), that can search simultaneously for both autism and communication delays. The project will establish a network of doctors who will ask the parents of every infant they examine to answer 10 online questions designed to identify delays in communication skills. The answers will automatically trigger as many as 20 additional autism-specific questions, which are designed to instantly indicate whether or not the child is at risk so that early intervention can begin as soon as possible. Infants will be screened at 12 months, get an automatic reminder at 18 months, and again at 24 months. Rescreening is necessary because the early signs of autism unfold gradually between nine to 18 months, and screening too early could mean a missed opportunity for early intervention. To read more about this study, click here.