Early Detection and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Why Is It So Difficult?

Information and Communication Technologies to Support Early Screening of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

“…Overall, current evidence suggests that monitoring of eye gaze should not be considered as a replacement of more traditional screening practices (e.g., parent-reported questionnaires), but an additional source of information about early signs of ASD. As already mentioned, screening is indeed widely considered a multistep process, whereby failing a L1 assessment would require a secondary screener (L2) before initiating a diagnostic process [ 27 ]. Likely, based on present findings, we argue that the increased availability of affordable and reliable eye trackers could facilitate the diffusion of this screening strategy in a variety of contexts as L2 screeners.…”

“…While Level 1 screening tools may be used to identify children at risk of ASD in the general population, Level 2 screeners are mainly used to distinguish between children with signs of ASD and those with other developmental concerns (e.g., language disorders, intellectual disability, other neurodevelopmental disorders). In this view, screening for ASD may be conceived as a multistep process, according to which children who fail a Level 1 screening would require a secondary (i.e., Level 2) screener before being referred to a more comprehensive and diagnostic assessment process [ 12 , 13 , 27 ] Providing such a comprehensive overview of the literature (including both levels of ASD screening) was thought to be useful to guide researchers and professionals in their choice of technology options in daily practice, as well as to stimulate their research initiatives aimed at adding essential evidence about technology-based ASD screeners.…”

Recent Trends in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research using Text Mining of PubMed: Importance of Early Detection

“…In the US, ASD is estimated to affect 1 in 54 children and the lifetime cost for treatment and support is to exceed $7 trillion. 3) To identify the recent trends in ASD research, the author conducted text mining of articles published within the last 3 years (9/1/2017-8/30/2020) in the PubMed database (www.pubmed.gov). Review, meta-analysis, and systematic review articles were excluded.…”

“…This result strongly suggests that behavioral therapy, the most widely proven intervention for core symptoms of ASD, is required throughout an affected individual's lifetime. 3) It also shows that parent involvement, early detection, and therapy play important roles. 3) In this context, studies to identify risk factors that are helpful for the early detection and prevention of ASD are ongoing.…”

“…3) It also shows that parent involvement, early detection, and therapy play important roles. 3) In this context, studies to identify risk factors that are helpful for the early detection and prevention of ASD are ongoing. 4) Perinatal factors that increase the risk of ASD include birth injury or trauma, low birth weight (<2500 g), cesarean section, and umbilical cord complications.…”