Melbourne scientists have developed new technology that is set to help diagnose autism around three years earlier than current tests.
The new screening tool will help identify children who are on the autism spectrum at an 83 per cent accuracy rate.
Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro from La Trobe University says the new development will help support parents identify autism in their children.
“Parents, when they raise queries with doctors, are often told to wait and see until the child is three or four years of age. So we really want to lower that age of diagnosis,” Associate Professor Barbaro said.
Scientists say the LA Trobe University ‘SACS’ test will provide GPs and nurses with a checklist for key behaviours that may indicate autism in children between one and two years old.
“For example, inconsistent and infrequent eye contact, responding to others, imitation, play or pretend play,” Associate Professor Barbaro said.
“If a child is not engaging in these behaviours, they are then identified as high likelihood for autism and referred for an assessment.”
“When we can identify autism early we can help individuals to improve their communication and their language,” Associate Professor Barbaro said.
