Scientists have found a new way that artificial intelligence (AI) might help detect autism. According to a recent study, AI can learn to identify autism just by looking at how someone picks up objects with their fingers.
Researchers from York University and other partners used special tools that track movement, along with AI computer programs. They studied how 59 young adults grasped objects.
Each person was asked to pick up different rectangle shapes using only their thumb and index finger. Only two small movement sensors were placed on their fingers. The objects were like everyday things.
From these simple actions, the team collected detailed information about the movements. This included things like how fast the fingers moved, the path the hand took, and the exact moment the grip was strongest.
They put all this movement data into five different AI models. The results were promising: the AI could correctly tell if someone had autism or not with a high accuracy, up to 89%. On average, the AI was correct more than 84% of the time across all the models.
These findings support the growing idea that autism is not just about social behavior but also involves small differences in how people move. Actions like reaching and grasping are seen as important clues about how the brain connects what we see, what we understand, and how we move.
We grab things all the time – a cup, a phone – but these simple actions contain valuable information about our brains. Because grasping is a natural thing we do, this method is much simpler and cheaper than brain scans or long diagnostic interviews. With just a few sensors and smart AI programs, doctors might one day be able to detect autism in a way that is easier and does not involve putting anything into the body (non-invasive).
However, the study did have some limitations. It focused only on young adults with average intelligence. Future research needs to test how well this works with children, as early diagnosis is very important for them. The team also hopes to explore if this method can help identify different types of autism or if it could be used in places like schools and children’s doctors’ offices.
Using AI to help find autism could be a big step forward in getting diagnoses. The earlier autism is identified, the sooner people can get the support they need to live their lives as fully as possible. AI has been used before to help doctors diagnose patients, including even detecting diseases like cancer.
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