News

In a significant advancement for neurodevelopmental research, Dr Nitul Dutta, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, along with PhD scholar Ms Surya Samantha Beri and BTech student Mr Nallamothu Sai Karthik, have successfully filed and published a patent titled “A System for Autism Spectrum Disorder Detection.” The application, numbered 202441053505, has been officially documented in the Patent Office Journal.

The innovative system aims to enhance the early detection of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), providing a more efficient and accessible method for diagnosis. By integrating advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques, the system promises to analyse behavioural data effectively, allowing for timely interventions and support for individuals on the spectrum. Dr Dutta emphasised the importance of early detection, stating, “The earlier we can identify ASD, the better the outcomes for individuals and their families. Our system is designed to make this process more accurate and user-friendly.”

Ms Beri and Mr Karthik contributed significantly to the research, which reflects a collaborative effort between academia and technology. Their work not only demonstrates the potential for technological solutions in healthcare but also highlights the critical role of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex challenges.

This patent represents a crucial step forward in the field of autism research and is expected to pave the way for further innovations aimed at improving the lives of those affected by ASD.

Abstract of the Research

The system for autism spectrum disease detection incorporates a server with a hybrid application comprising several key modules: a capturing module receiving images from image-capturing devices , a data collection module gathering a dataset of images from multiple capturing devices, and a pre-processing module standardising and normalising images to generate a standardised dataset. Additionally, a feature extraction module collaborates with the pre-processing module to identify autism-indicative features in standardised images, preparing labelled standardised images stored in the data collection module.

Furthermore, a data segmentation module segments standardised images into training and testing data, including a training module for real-time training of a convolutional neural network model and a testing module to evaluate the convolutional neural network model’s accuracy in detecting autism based on testing data.

Explanation of the Research in Layperson’s Terms

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological or developmental disorder that profoundly impacts communication skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities in individuals. Those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often exhibit challenges in social interaction, limited eye contact, difficulty understanding social cues, and impaired language skills. Additionally, repetitive behaviours and sensory sensitivities are common characteristics.

The disorder arises from developmental changes in brain structure and can have various causes, including genetic factors, familial history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), advanced parental age, or low birth weight. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), stands at one in every 160 children. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) effectively, as interventions such as medical and neurological examinations, cognitive and language assessments, and frequent observations, including blood and hearing tests, can significantly improve outcomes. Detecting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children below the age of 10 is comparatively easier than in adults, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis to facilitate timely interventions.

Current diagnostic processes for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present significant challenges, particularly for young children, due to their limited ability to communicate and cooperate during assessments. Traditional diagnostic methods rely heavily on structured interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised tests, which can be daunting and stressful for children, leading to inaccurate results. Moreover, these procedures are time-consuming and often require multiple visits to specialised clinics or healthcare facilities, causing inconvenience and financial strain for families. Also, the cost associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be prohibitive for many families.

Therefore, there is a pressing need for more accessible, less intrusive, and cost-effective methods for detecting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in its early stages to ensure timely and effective intervention. Therefore, there is a need for a system for autism spectrum disorder detection that alleviates the drawbacks.

Practical and Social Implications Associated with the Research

Current diagnostic procedures for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face considerable technical challenges, particularly concerning young children’s limited ability to engage in conventional assessment methods. These methods typically rely on structured interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised tests, all of which can be arduous and distressing for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), potentially leading to unreliable outcomes. Furthermore, these procedures are resource-intensive, requiring multiple visits to specialised clinics or healthcare facilities, thereby causing logistical challenges and financial burdens for families. Current diagnostic processes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often present significant challenges, particularly for young children, due to their limited ability to communicate and cooperate during assessments. Traditional diagnostic methods rely heavily on structured interviews, behavioural observations, and standardised tests, which can be daunting and stressful for children, leading to inaccurate results. Moreover, these procedures are time-consuming and often require multiple visits to specialised clinics or healthcare facilities, causing inconvenience and financial strain for families. Also, the cost associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be prohibitive for many families. Therefore, there is a pressing need for more accessible, less intrusive, and cost-effective methods for detecting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in its early stages to ensure timely and effective intervention.

Collaborations

This research was done in collaboration with Professor George, Brunel University, London, United Kingdom

Future Research Plans

In the future, we will also try to diagnose the disorder by speech therapy using Natural Language Processing and integrate it with real-time industry in health care, which can be used by many doctors in their respective practices