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A simple inexpensive eye test could lead to quicker diagnosis of autism.
The findings of a study conducted by a team of researchers at Washington State University revealed that a penlight reflex test could one day diagnose autism.
Dr Georgina Lynch, an assistant clinical professor of speech-language pathology, and her team tested 24 participants, aged 10 to 17. Half of the group had been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, while the other half did not have the condition.
In the four trials, the researchers measured the pupil reflexes in response to light in each eye for four seconds each trial.
In 70% percent of the cases, the researchers observed that the pupils of children diagnosed with autism took markedly longer to constrict.
“Our results suggest that an inexpensive, noninvasive pupil penlight reflex test could be a physiological measurement of autism,” Dr Lynch explained.
The research team intends to follow up the study by conducting the test on a larger group of children which will include participants younger than 10.
According to Dr Lynch, people with autism exhibit difficulty in making eye contact and are often sensitive to bright lights. Children with autism find it challenging to maintain an eye gaze because of the deficient functioning of the two cranial nerves. Dr Lynch stressed that the fundamental physical behaviors are needed to develop language as well as socialization.
“If a simple technology can be used by paediatricians to spot a likely sign of autism during routine exams, then we can get these kids a quicker diagnosis and quicker treatment. The sooner we can intervene with proven techniques, the better their chances in the world,” Dr Lynch concluded
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