The authors of the study believe that the tool can complement the diagnostic methods of traditional autism.
A team of scientists has developed a quick and easy tool that can help diagnose autism in children using a one minute video game.
Published in The British Journal of Psychiatry has concluded that the tool can distinguish autistic children from neurotypics with 80% precision and differentiate autism from hyperactivity disturbance and attention deficit (PHDA) with a 70%success rate.
Led by Bahar Tunçgenç, the team believes this new approach can complement traditional diagnostic methods. “Our health systems desperately need Objective, fast and effective methods In terms of costs, with a solid basis of evidence, ”said tunçgenciça.
The study involved 183 CHILDREN aged between 7 and 13 years old, who was asked to imitate dance movements performed by a video game avatar, like Tiktok -style dances.
Its performance was analyzed through the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAME (CAMP), an algorithm that attributes a score between 0 and 1the highest scores indicate a better imitation. Each child repeated the test twice, along with normalized diagnostic assessments.
Researchers highlight motor imitation as a fundamental distinctive factor in the diagnosis of autism. Traditional methods focus on socio-communicative difficulties and repetitive behaviors, but recent studies indicate that Sensory and Motor Difficulties They are also common in autistic individuals, with some estimates to suggest that 88% of individuals have difficulties related to movement.
A significant advantage of this approach is that children like the test, which makes the process less stressful and more interesting. “It is not often a study with children and they want to do again,” said Tunçgenç.
Despite the promising results, the UK National Autistic Society expressed its concern about the implications of the study. Anoushka Pattenden, Director of Research and Participation Partnerships, warned against the simplification of autism diagnosis.
“Although we need solutions to the enormous demand for autism assessments, You can’t cut into details”He said. “An assessment must be exhaustive and made by qualified professionals.”
Another concern is the emphasis on imitation, which can encourage masking – a behavior in which autistic individuals suppress their natural characteristics to seem neurotypic, potentially damaging their mental health.
Researchers plan more studies on various populations and are open to discussions with clinics interested in implementing Cami.
The study was published in The British Journal of Psychiatry And it can pave the way to diagnostic methods of innovative and affordable autism.
