AI tools developed in US and UAE to aid autism detection

Researchers in the United States and the United Arab Emirates are developing artificial intelligence tools to improve the speed and objectivity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screenings.

At the University of Pennsylvania, researchers have developed CAMI (Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation). The tool uses video of a child mimicking movements to evaluate behavioral markers. In a clinical study of 183 children, the system achieved an accuracy rate of 80% to 85%. Professor Rene Vidal noted that the technology provides a "much more fine-grained motor assessment than is usually done in the current standardized test."

In Dubai, a team led by the University of Dubai has created a two-minute screening tool that combines eye-tracking analysis with developmental milestone data. By analyzing gaze patterns and visual scanning behavior via tablets or smartphones, the system aims to identify high-risk children for earlier intervention. Initial benchmark testing for this tool showed an accuracy of approximately 96%.

Both research teams emphasize that these AI applications are intended to assist specialists and prioritize referrals rather than replace formal medical diagnoses.