App Tracks Autism in Kids

A new study has found that the SenseToKnow app can effectively track autism-associated behaviors in preschool- and school-age children, including those with co-occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study, which included 183 children aged 3.3-8.3 years, used the SenseToKnow app to quantify autism-related behaviors using computer vision, tactile sensors, and machine learning.

The study found that autism status was associated with 21 of 23 SenseToKnow features, while ADHD status was associated with none. This suggests that the app is able to distinguish between autism and ADHD, even when the two conditions co-occur. The study included 41 neurotypical children, 48 children with ADHD, 53 children with autism, and 41 children with co-occurring autism and ADHD.

The SenseToKnow app has the potential to provide a scalable and objective assessment tool for autism-related behaviors in children. This is particularly important, as about 90% of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have at least one or two co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions. Early intervention and continued therapies over time can produce meaningful and optimal outcomes in children with autism spectrum disorders.

## Why it matters The ability to track autism-associated behaviors in children is crucial for providing timely and effective interventions. A life-course approach to ASD recognizes that optimal outcomes in autism are achieved through timely identification, early intervention, inclusive education, mental health care, social participation, and healthy ageing. The SenseToKnow app could play a key role in this approach, by providing a tool for continuous monitoring and assessment of autism-related behaviors.

The study was supported by several funding sources, including the NIH Autism Center of Excellence Award and the NIMH. The researchers acknowledge the participation of the children, caregivers, research staff, and clinical research specialists who were involved in the study.

## What happens next The findings of this study suggest that the SenseToKnow app has the potential to be a valuable tool for tracking autism-associated behaviors in children. Further research is needed to fully explore the app's capabilities and to determine how it can be used in clinical practice. However, the study's results are promising, and suggest that the app could play a key role in providing effective interventions and support for children with autism spectrum disorders.