A groundbreaking machine learning model, AutMedAI, developed by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, can predict autism in children under the age of two with nearly 80% accuracy.
This innovation promises to revolutionise early diagnosis and intervention, significantly improving the quality of life for many families.
Key Takeaways
- High Accuracy: AutMedAI identifies 80% of children with autism from basic early-life data.
- Early Indicators: Parameters include age of first smile and early speech milestones.
- Life Quality: Early diagnosis can improve life quality through timely interventions.
The Study
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, utilised a large US database (SPARK) containing information on approximately 30,000 individuals with and without autism spectrum disorders. By analysing 28 different parameters, the researchers developed four distinct machine-learning models to identify patterns in the data. The best-performing model, AutMedAI, was able to identify about 80% of children with autism among approximately 12,000 individuals.
Key Parameters
The parameters selected for the model were information about children that can be obtained without extensive assessments and medical tests before 24 months of age. These included:
- Age of first smile
- First short sentence
- Presence of eating difficulties
Significance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is critical to implement effective interventions that can help children with autism develop optimally. According to the researchers, this can drastically change the conditions for early diagnosis and interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for many individuals and their families.
Future Directions
The research team is now planning further improvements and validation of the model in clinical settings. Work is also underway to include genetic information in the model, which may lead to even more specific and accurate predictions. However, the researchers emphasise that the model is not intended to replace a clinical assessment of autism but to serve as a valuable tool for healthcare.
Conclusion
The development of AutMedAI marks a significant advancement in the early detection of autism. With further validation and improvements, this model has the potential to become an indispensable tool in paediatric healthcare, offering timely interventions that can make a substantial difference in the lives of children with autism and their families.
Sources
- AI model aids early detection of autism, Medical Xpress.
- AI Model Predicts Autism in Toddlers with 80% Accuracy - Neuroscience News, Neuroscience News.
- AI model aids early detection of autism | Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Institutet.
