A new study supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) highlights a promising digital tool that may help identify autism earlier in young children. The tablet-based app, called SenseToKnow, uses videos and artificial intelligence (AI) to observe behaviors such as eye gaze, facial expressions, head movements, blinking, and responses to hearing their name.
In the study, toddlers between 17 and 36 months watched short video clips during routine healthcare visits while the app collected behavioral information. Researchers found the tool was highly accurate in identifying children later diagnosed with autism and even detected some children who were missed by traditional screening questionnaires. The tool also worked consistently across children of different races, ethnicities, sexes, and ages.
Researchers believe digital screening tools like this could help families access evaluations, supports, and early intervention services sooner. The app is not intended to replace doctors or parent input, but rather to work alongside current screening methods to improve early identification and reduce barriers to diagnosis.
More information is available through the NIMH article.
