Could we use a simple and easy routine eye test to screen every baby for autism?

Why use eye-tracking to predict autism?

While we can reliably diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at 24 months, most children are diagnosed much later. This is largely due to:

  • a lack of resources,
  • poor adherence to screening guidelines
  • and the fact that primary care physicians are often uncomfortable talking about autism risk to parents.

But what if we could use a simple and easy, routine eye test to screen every baby for autism?

baby-looking-up image
For children with autism, early intervention is critical. Therapies and education – especially in the first two years of life – can facilitate a child’s social development, reduce familial stress and ultimately improve quality of life.
Looking Up image by Jason Pratt.
  • Why use eye-tracking to predict autism?
  • What does ‘risk’ of autism mean?
  • How do you treat a child “pre-diagnosed” with autism?
  • Not a diagnosis, but a pre-preexisting condition

Read Are we ready for a test that could ‘pre-diagnose’ autism in babies?,
by Karen Rommelfanger, Jennifer Sarrett, The Conversation, July 31 2015.

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