New Study Shows Potential For Detecting Autism Signs in Infants

Based on an algorithm developed from children’s medical data, new research from Duke University suggests that autism can be detected within the first month of life.

Generally, autism is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by limited and repeated patterns of cognition and behavior, and by difficulty in social interactions. It is common for a child to receive a diagnosis between the ages of 3 and 4.

According to renowned epidemiologist Marc Weisskopf, the early detection of signals lends credence to the theory that autism’s foundations may be traced back to before birth.

Further research is needed to corroborate the results, but if autistic warning flags could be recognized at an early age, therapy may be initiated sooner.

David Mandell, a psychiatry professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, said, “Further research is needed to corroborate the results, but if autistic warning flags could be recognized at an early age, therapy may be initiated sooner.”

For this study, researchers looked at data from the electronic health records of 45,000 newborns who had been examined at the Duke University Health System from early 2006 to late 2020.

This data was utilized for the purpose of developing and testing machine learning algorithms. The final algorithm they created accurately predicted the development of autism in infants.

Children of color, females, and those with multiple diagnoses of autism and ADHD were given special attention by the researchers as they tested the model. This is because these groups are more likely to be missed by standard screening techniques and hence, miss out on the benefits of early diagnosis.

The model took into account a wide range of variables associated with the baby’s health. To varying degrees, each of these elements has a role in health.

With automatic data collection taking place while the child receives treatment, the computer may notify the physician that, based on the kid’s patterns of use, they do have a greater risk of a subsequent autism diagnosis. According to Geraldine Dawson, Director of the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, the idea is to have the pediatrician monitor the infant more frequently.

She added that this research further supports the idea that autism is a systemic disorder affecting several systems in the body instead of just the brain. So health officials need to think of autism as a condition that takes physical health into account as well.

Other studies have indicated that the results for children on the autistic spectrum can be improved with early identification and intervention. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations includes autism screening in children aged between 1.5 and 2 years as part of routine “well child” checkups.

Mandell said that this early warning sign, together with parental concerns and further testing, should prompt doctors to recommend children for early care at the earliest.

Researchers are currently working on strategies to aid infants as young as 6 months old who have been diagnosed with autism. During bath time, mealtime, and playtime, parents may learn techniques to increase their child’s social contact, chattering, and early communication.

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