A Deep Neural Network-Based Model for Screening Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Quantitative Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (QCHAT)

Autism spectrum disorder detection with kNN imputer and machine learning classifiers via questionnaire mode of screening

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. ASD cannot be fully cured, but early-stage diagnosis followed by therapies and rehabilitation helps an autistic person to live a quality life. Clinical diagnosis of ASD symptoms via questionnaire and screening tests such as Autism Spectrum Quotient-10 (AQ-10) and Quantitative Check-list for Autism in Toddlers (Q-chat) are expensive, inaccessible, and time-consuming processes. Machine learning (ML) techniques are beneficial to predict ASD easily at the initial stage of diagnosis. The main aim of this work is to classify ASD and typical developed (TD) class data using ML classifiers. In our work, we have used different ASD data sets of all age groups (toddlers, adults, children, and adolescents) to classify ASD and TD cases. We implemented One-Hot encoding to translate categorical data into numerical data during preprocessing. We then used kNN Imputer with MinMaxScaler feature transformation to handle missing values and data normalization. ASD and TD class data is classified using Support vector machine, k-nearest-neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and artificial neural network classifiers. RF gives the best performance in terms of the accuracy of 100% with different training and testing data split for all four types of data sets and has no over-fitting issue. We have also examined our results with already published work, including recent methods like Deep Neural Network (DNN) and Convolution Neural Network (CNN). Even using complex architectures like DNN and CNN, our proposed methods provide the best results with low-complexity models. In contrast, existing methods have shown accuracy upto 98% with log-loss upto 15%. Our proposed methodology demonstrates the improved generalization for real-time ASD detection during clinical trials.

ASD-SWNet: a novel shared-weight feature extraction and classification network for autism spectrum disorder diagnosis

The traditional diagnostic process for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is subjective, where early and accurate diagnosis significantly affects treatment outcomes and life quality. Thus, improving ASD diagnostic methods is critical. This paper proposes ASD-SWNet, a new shared-weight feature extraction and classification network. It resolves the issue found in previous studies of inefficiently integrating unsupervised and supervised learning, thereby enhancing diagnostic precision. The approach utilizes functional magnetic resonance imaging to improve diagnostic accuracy, featuring an autoencoder (AE) with Gaussian noise for robust feature extraction and a tailored convolutional neural network (CNN) for classification. The shared-weight mechanism utilizes features learned by the AE to initialize the convolutional layer weights of the CNN, thereby integrating AE and CNN for joint training. A novel data augmentation strategy for time-series medical data is also introduced, tackling the problem of small sample sizes. Tested on the ABIDE-I dataset through nested ten-fold cross-validation, the method achieved an accuracy of 76.52% and an AUC of 0.81. This approach surpasses existing methods, showing significant enhancements in diagnostic accuracy and robustness. The contribution of this paper lies not only in proposing new methods for ASD diagnosis but also in offering new approaches for other neurological brain diseases.

Enhancing early autism diagnosis through machine learning: Exploring raw motion data for classification

In recent years, research has been demonstrating that movement analysis, utilizing machine learning methods, can be a promising aid for clinicians in supporting autism diagnostic process. Within this field of research, we aim to explore new models and delve into the detailed observation of certain features that previous literature has identified as prominent in the classification process. Our study employs a game-based tablet application to collect motor data. We use artificial neural networks to analyze raw trajectories in a "drag and drop" task. We compare a two-features model (utilizing only raw coordinates) with a four-features model (including velocities and accelerations). The aim is to assess the effectiveness of raw data analysis and determine the impact of acceleration on autism classification. Our results revealed that both models demonstrate promising accuracy in classifying motor trajectories. The four-features model consistently outperforms the two-features model, as evidenced by accuracy values (0.90 vs. 0.76). However, our findings support the potential of raw data analysis in objectively assessing motor behaviors related to autism. While the four-features model excels, the two-features model still achieves reasonable accuracy. Addressing limitations related to sample size and noise is essential for future research. Our study emphasizes the importance of integrating intelligent solutions to enhance and assist autism traditional diagnostic process and intervention, paving the way for more effective tools in assessing motor skills.

Screening for Autism: A Review of the Current State, Ongoing Challenges, and Novel Approaches on the Horizon

Screening for autism is recommended in pediatric primary care. However, the median age of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is substantially higher than the age at which autism can reliably be identified, suggesting room for improvements in autism recognition at young ages, especially for children from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, low-income families, and families who prefer a language other than English. Novel approaches are being developed to utilize new technologies in aiding in autism recognition. However, attention to equity is needed to minimize bias. Additional research on the benefits and potential harms of universal autism screening is needed. The authors provide suggestions for pediatricians who are considering implementing autism-screening programs.

Technologies to support the diagnosis and/or treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review

In recent years, there has been a great interest in utilizing technology in mental health research. The rapid technological development has encouraged researchers to apply technology as a part of a diagnostic process or treatment of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs). With the large number of studies being published comes an urgent need to inform clinicians and researchers about the latest advances in this field. Here, we methodically explore and summarize findings from studies published between August 2019 and February 2022. A search strategy led to the identification of 4108 records from PubMed and APA PsycInfo databases. 221 quantitative studies were included, covering a wide range of technologies used for diagnosis and/or treatment of NDDs, with the biggest focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The most popular technologies included machine learning, functional magnetic resonance imaging, electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, and neurofeedback. The results of the review indicate that technology-based diagnosis and intervention for NDD population is promising. However, given a high risk of bias of many studies, more high-quality research is needed.

Automatic Screening of Diabetic Retinopathy Using Fundus Images and Machine Learning Algorithms

Diabetic Retinopathy is a vision impairment caused by blood vessel degeneration in the retina. It is becoming more widespread as it is linked to diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness. Early detection of diabetic retinopathy by an ophthalmologist can help avoid vision loss and other complications. Diabetic retinopathy is currently diagnosed by visually recognizing irregularities on fundus pictures. This procedure, however, necessitates the use of ophthalmic imaging technologies to acquire fundus images as well as a detailed visual analysis of the stored photos, resulting in a costly and time-consuming diagnosis. The fundamental goal of this project is to create an easy-to-use machine learning model tool that can accurately predict diabetic retinopathy using pre-recorded digital fundus images. To create the suggested classifier model, we gathered annotated fundus images from publicly accessible data repositories and used two machine learning methods, support vector machine (SVM) and deep neural network (DNN). On test data, the proposed SVM model had a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 97.11%, whereas the DNN model had a mean AUC of 99.15%.

Investigation of Eye-Tracking Scan Path as a Biomarker for Autism Screening Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Autism spectrum disorder is a group of disorders marked by difficulties with social skills, repetitive activities, speech, and nonverbal communication. Deficits in paying attention to, and processing, social stimuli are common for children with autism spectrum disorders. It is uncertain whether eye-tracking technologies can assist in establishing an early biomarker of autism based on the children's atypical visual preference patterns. In this study, we used machine learning methods to test the applicability of eye-tracking data in children to aid in the early screening of autism. We looked into the effectiveness of various machine learning techniques to discover the best model for predicting autism using visualized eye-tracking scan path images. We adopted three traditional machine learning models and a deep neural network classifier to run experimental trials. This study employed a publicly available dataset of 547 graphical eye-tracking scan paths from 328 typically developing and 219 autistic children. We used image augmentation to populate the dataset to prevent the model from overfitting. The deep neural network model outperformed typical machine learning approaches on the populated dataset, with 97% AUC, 93.28% sensitivity, 91.38% specificity, 94.46% NPV, and 90.06% PPV (fivefold cross-validated). The findings strongly suggest that eye-tracking data help clinicians for a quick and reliable autism screening.