Autism in children is a growing problem globally which adds to the problems for their quality of life. Affected children may lose their ability to interact with others, learn and understand things, and may also cause behavioral changes. For example, for children with autism, there may be problems in doing many tasks of normal life.
Experts have made it easy to identify this problem in children through technology. Autism is the third most common developmental disability in the world. It is estimated that around 18 million people in India suffer from autism.
In a study conducted with an app, researchers found that it could help identify children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders more easily. Significantly, the diagnosis and confirmation of autism require trained professionals, but most autistic people live in areas with few or no autism specialists. The awareness about autism is also very low. In this situation, this problem can be detected in time through the app.
Study shows good results in Delhi
A study was done regarding this app in the capital Delhi. According to the results published on Friday in the Autism Journal, this app will help in the timely screening of millions of children suffering from the problem of the autism spectrum. So that they can get the right treatment and their quality of life can also improve.
Researchers from India, the UK, and the US tested an app called START (Screening Tool for Autism Risk Using Technology) with 131 children aged two to seven living in low-resource areas of Delhi. Whose better results have been seen.
Learn about the Start app
The START app will allow children to easily explore their skill abilities, motor skills, etc. through games, questions, images, and activities (such as popping bubbles and looking at patterns and images) on mobile phones or computers. The researchers said the app was 86 percent accurate in identifying children with any neurodevelopmental disorder, specifically up to 78 percent in identifying autism.
What do experts say?
The app gives us hope that we can one day provide a timely diagnosis of autism wherever it is needed, regardless of financial or cultural barriers, says Teodora Gliga, associate professor at the University of East Anglia and co-author Teodora Gliga. The app also includes questions for parents. The app can help identify autistic children by combining all the scores. It's also easy to use, fun for kids to participate in.
Learn about autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how children interact with others, learn and interact with people. Autism can be diagnosed at any age, although symptoms usually appear by the age of two. Certain types of therapy can help improve the quality of life in children by improving symptoms.
(PC: Freepik)
