Researchers from Duke University in North Carolina have developed a new app that shows promise for screening autism. The program, described in reports by TimesNewsUK, identifies signs of autism spectrum disorder with an accuracy around 88 percent based on a short, guided screening session.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) describe a set of neurodevelopmental differences that affect social interaction and communication. People with ASD may experience challenges in reading social cues, maintaining conversations, or sustaining typical routines. The spectrum can present a wide range of behaviors, from social withdrawal to unusually high sociability in certain contexts, making early and accurate assessment important for support and planning.
In a study setting, researchers invited 475 children ages 17 months to 3 years, along with their parents, to test the SenseToKnow app. The testing protocol begins with families watching a six minute video within the app. During the session, both the child and parent are observed for a variety of behavioral cues. Researchers track indicators such as blink rate, head movements, and moments of focused attention, and the app provides guidance on how these signals might relate to autism risk based on established patterns observed in ASD cases.
Using the collected data, the app identified autism spectrum disorder in 43 of 49 children who had already been diagnosed with ASD. The overall diagnostic accuracy during this screening exercise was about 87.8 percent. These results suggest that digital screening tools can contribute to early detection when access to clinical testing is limited or delayed.
Importantly, the study notes that the tool performs consistently across both male and female participants, indicating its potential as a general screening resource rather than one limited to a specific subgroup. Researchers emphasize that SenseToKnow should be viewed as a supplementary screening method. It can support clinicians and provide guidance for parents who may face barriers to visiting a doctor, such as geographic distance, scheduling conflicts, or healthcare access issues.
In the broader context of autism research, these kinds of digital tools are part of an ongoing effort to democratize early screening. They offer a convenient, low-cost option that can help families begin conversations with healthcare professionals sooner and prepare for potential evaluations. While such tools are valuable, they are not replacements for comprehensive clinical assessment, which remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning.
As digital health advances continue, studies like this highlight how data-driven approaches can support early identification and intervention. The senseToKnow platform represents a step toward more accessible screening, especially for families who might otherwise miss timely opportunities for assessment. The ultimate goal is to connect children with ASD to appropriate supports as early as possible, promoting better developmental outcomes and smoother transitions into education and daily life.
Future work will likely expand the dataset, refine the interpretation of behavioral cues, and explore how this type of screening can be integrated into pediatric care pathways. Researchers envision a future where digital tools act as first-line checks that flag potential concerns and guide families toward formal diagnostic services when needed, all while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, privacy, and ethical use of data.
Autism is a spectrum, and early screening serves as a gateway to understanding each child’s unique profile. The SenseToKnow project contributes to a growing toolkit for families and clinicians alike, aiming to reduce the time to diagnosis and to support timely access to therapies and services that can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development.