Eye-Tracking Devices To Pre-Diagnose ASD? | Avery Eisenreich

By Avery Eisenreich

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), early intervention is critical. Therapies and education, especially in the first two years of the child’s life, can help with social development, reduce familial stress and improve the child’s quality of life.

Unfortunately, children often do not get diagnosed in the first 24 months. This is due to the fact that there is a lack of resources, poor adherence to screening guidelines and the fact that most physicians and pediatricians feel reserved about speaking to parents about the risks.

Fortunately, now science and technology is evolving and producing simple, routine tests screening every baby for possible signs of ASD. In fact, clinical trials for eye-tracking devices that could predict autism are slated to begin this year. As a health care professional, I believe that it is time to explore these technologies in further detail and delve into what it will mean for parents and their children.

The importance of Eye-Tracking

Children with ASD have gaze preferences and prefer to look at things differently than other developing children. Gaze preference changes can be detected prior to the arrival of ASD; helping researchers not just diagnose the disorder but to predict it as well.  Researchers have been using the devices to record where babies gaze when watch videos or social scenes.

A 2013 study that used eye-tracking devices discovered that a difference in gaze preference can be detected in children as young as 2 months. When viewing videos, children who look at a person’s mouth as opposed to eyes and the object are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD.  Although it was a small study, the researchers are trying to replicate it on a larger scale.

Advantages of Using Eye-Tracking Devices

The device is non-invasive and is relatively easy to use. It has also been found to provide a standardized, objective view of the child and whether or not they have Autism. By helping diagnose the disorder early, the device has helped increase each child’s chances of living an independent lifestyle.

Disadvantage of Using Eye-Tracking Devices

One of the concerns that both physicians and parents have about pre-diagnosing ASD is the treatment. There is no set intervention plan in place. It could cause confusion in parents and leave them with more questions than answers. As well, there is concern that parents would invest unnecessarily in expensive interventions, surveillance and treatments.

Whether you see the device as something good or bad, there is no question that physician, scientists and parents need to consider the impact of the integration of these tools into regular practice. Policymakers will also need to consider the costs of taking the test, the costs for treatment and intervention afterwards and whether or not there will be any penalties for not undergoing these treatments.

Are we ready for this device? Far from it.

For more info:

http://healthcare-newjersey.com/eye-tracking-devices-to-pre-diagnose-asd/

Please note that the information provided on HealthCare-NewJersey.com is not a substitute for the advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care professional with any questions you may have regarding medical symptoms or a medical condition.