A newly developed one-minute video game is capable of accurately and efficiently distinguishing between children with autism, those with ADHD, and neurotypical children.
Created by researchers from the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Nottingham Trent University, this innovative tool, named the Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation (CAMI), utilizes motion-tracking technology to identify variations in motor imitation abilities.
In a recent study, 183 children aged 7 to 13 participated by mimicking the dance-like movements of a video avatar for a minute, while CAMI measured their performance. The video game successfully differentiated between children with autism and neurotypical children with an 80% accuracy rate. Additionally, it identified autism versus ADHD with 70% accuracy. The researchers noted that this distinction is particularly challenging since ADHD and autism frequently occur together, making accurate diagnosis difficult, even for experienced clinicians.
Dr. Stewart Mostofsky, a pediatric neurologist and director of the Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research at Kennedy Krieger Institute as well as a co-author of the study, commented that this tool represents a significant advancement in autism diagnosis.
“Identifying autism can be tricky, particularly when children exhibit overlapping symptoms with conditions such as ADHD. Misdiagnosis can negatively affect the support and resources available to the child,” said Dr. Mostofsky.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, diagnosing autism is often a lengthy process that necessitates highly trained professionals and can cost families between $1,500 and $3,000 each year.
Dr. Bahar Tunçgenç, the senior author and a social development specialist at Nottingham Trent University, remarked: “Autism has traditionally been viewed primarily as a social-communication disorder, but we now recognize that sensory-motor challenges, such as motor imitation, significantly influence social and communication skills. CAMI identifies autism by focusing on these specific difficulties, which are separate from those associated with ADHD.” She also stated, “The appeal of CAMI lies in its straightforwardness. It’s enjoyable for children, quick for clinicians, and delivers clear outcomes.”
With additional enhancement, CAMI could be modified for younger children and those with more severe developmental delays, thereby expanding its reach. The researchers aspire that CAMI’s achievements will inspire new methods of simplifying and enhancing diagnostic tools for other conditions.
“This tool has the potential to revolutionize autism diagnoses globally,” expressed Dr. Mostofsky. “By accurately identifying autism, we can connect children with interventions that enhance their quality of life and long-term prospects. Our goal is to see CAMI widely implemented in clinics as a swift, cost-effective alternative requiring minimal setup.”
