Screening infants for autism using eye-tracking technology
Community-viable Screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in 9-month-old Infants Using Quantitative Eye-tracking Assays of Social Visual Engagement
This study is testing whether an eye-tracking device can help spot signs of autism and developmental delays in 9-month-old babies during their regular check-ups.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 2120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Months to 10 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05916430 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an eye-tracking device to screen 9-month-old infants for autism spectrum disorder and other developmental delays. During routine well-baby visits, infants will watch videos of children playing while their eye movements are recorded to assess their social engagement. Parents will complete questionnaires about their child's health and development at various intervals. If any developmental concerns arise, further assessments will be conducted by expert clinicians to provide appropriate recommendations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are generally healthy infants aged 8 to 10 months attending their well-baby visits.
Not a fit: Infants with acute illnesses that could affect data collection or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier identification and intervention for infants at risk of autism and developmental delays.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using eye-tracking technology for developmental screening, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Infants between the chronological ages of 8-10 months * Infants must be generally healthy with no acute illnesses likely to prevent successful or valid data collection (e.g., current vomiting, high fever, conjunctivitis affecting vision) * Participants' parents/caregivers must be able to understand and voluntarily provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: \- Children will be excluded if they have signs of acute illness likely to prevent successful or valid data collection (e.g., conjunctivitis affecting vision, current vomiting, or high fever).
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Emory University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Warren R Jones, PhD — Emory University
- Study coordinator: FirstFocus Study
- Email: FirstFocus@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-785-4529
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.