Screening for autism in infants using eye-tracking technology

Community-viable screening for ASD in 9-month-old infants using quantitative eye-tracking assays of social visual engagement

['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-10929289

This study is testing a new way to check for autism in babies as young as 9 months old by using a special eye-tracking device to see how they look at things around them, and it’s for parents who want to help their little ones get the support they need early on.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorEMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10929289 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and validate a new screening method for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in infants as young as 9 months old. By using a mobile eye-tracking device, researchers will assess how infants visually engage with their surroundings, which can provide insights into their developmental health. The study will involve collecting eye-tracking data from 2,000 infants during their routine well-child visits and following them over time to determine the accuracy of this screening method compared to traditional diagnostic approaches. This innovative approach seeks to identify ASD and other developmental delays early, potentially leading to timely interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants aged 9 months who are attending their routine well-child visits.

Not a fit: Patients who are older than 11 years or those who do not have access to the screening technology may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier and more accurate identification of autism spectrum disorder in infants, leading to improved outcomes through timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using eye-tracking technology for developmental assessments, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Autistic Disorder

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.