Eye on Autism

The Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics has successfully developed the Automatic Retinal Image Analysis (ARIA) technology to better assess the risk of autism in children. The technique involves analysing retinal images for such signs as the thinning of the retinal nerve fibre layer and has been shown to be able to identify autism with a sensitivity and specificity of over 90%. Having already been used to assess risks of stroke and dementia, the technology could make autism screening more objective and convenient and allow early intervention. Results of the study have been published in The Lancet’s EClinicalMedicine.