AdvertisementNewsScience & TechAI screens for autism in the blink of an eyeWith a single flash of light to the eye, artificial intelligence could deliver a faster and more accurate way to diagnose autism spectrum disorder in children, according to new research from the University of South Australia and Flinders University.Photo: ShutterstockUsing an electroretinogram (ERG) – a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of the retina in response to a light stimulus – researchers have deployed AI to identify specific features to classify ASD.Measuring retinal responses of 217 children aged between 5 and 16 years (71 with diagnosed ASD and 146 children without an ASD diagnosis), researchers found that the retina generated a different retinal response in the children with ASD as compared to those who were neurotypical.The team also found that the strongest biomarker was achieved from a single bright flash of light to the right eye, with AI processing significantly reducing the test time. The study found that higher frequency components of the retinal signal were reduced in ASD.Conducted with theUniversity of ConnecticutandUniversity College London, the test could be further evaluated to see if these results could be used to screen for ASD among children aged 5 to 16 years with a high level of accuracy.ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by difficulties in reciprocal social interactions, communication, and repetitive/restrictive behaviours.In Australia, one in 70 people is on the autism spectrum, which is around 353,880 people. Globally, rates of autism vary, with theWorld Health Organization estimating the prevalence as one in every 100 children.UniSA researcher,Dr Fernando Marmolejo-Ramossaid that the test could fast-track much-needed supports for thousands of children on the spectrum.“Early interventions and appropriate support can help children with ASD improve their quality of life, but right now, there is no simple ‘test’ for ASD which means that individuals often require lengthy psychological assessments and reports to get a diagnosis,” Dr Marmolejo-Ramos said.“This test is much quicker. By using theRETeval electroretinogram testing unit, we can collect data, and complete a screening for autism, all within as little as 10 minutes.InDaily in your inbox.The best local news every workday at lunch time.SubscribeBy signing up, you agree to ourUser AgreementandPrivacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.“This is a massive step because it alleviates time, stress and money for parents and their children.“Importantly, the test is non-invasive and tolerated well by children, which makes the process so much easier for all involved.”Flinders University researcher and project lead,Dr Paul Constablesaid looking into the eye to understand the brain helps researchers learn about how the brain develops in people with ASD.InDaily in your inbox.The best local news every workday at lunch time.SubscribeBy signing up, you agree to ourUser AgreementandPrivacy Policy & Cookie Statement. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.“It’s very exciting to begin to look at new ways of using the electroretinogram with signal analysis and machine learning to help classify ASD with greater accuracy,” Constable said.“We still need to look at younger children and also those with other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to see how specific this test might be, but this is an important first step.”Local News MattersDonateShareSend a CommentFollowAdvertisementSponsoredShop ‘til you drop? Not so fast. The dirty secrets behind Black Friday dealsTuesday, November 5SponsoredBehind the scenes at SA’s virtual emergency departmentMonday, November 4SponsoredWhat’s happening in SA: November EditionWednesday, October 30SponsoredWhy this family-run winery keeps winning awardsTuesday, October 29