A Ukrainian researcher has developed a groundbreaking digital tool to help detect autism and developmental delays in children aged 1.5 to 6 years old. The tool, based on the Kids’ Development Diagnosis and Determining the Risk of Autism (KiDD) methodology, has been transformed into a mobile app, with the potential to improve early diagnosis and intervention for children, especially in regions where medical systems are under strain. The research has been published in Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health.
The app allows parents and caregivers to assess children’s development remotely, making it a valuable resource in war-torn or under-resourced areas where access to healthcare is limited. The KiDD methodology has undergone rigorous testing on 199 Ukrainian children, demonstrating an 84% accuracy in identifying autism likelihood and a 98% correlation with general developmental diagnoses.
While the app does not replace professional diagnosis, it equips parents with detailed observations to bring to medical professionals, helping them support their child’s developmental needs more effectively. The tool is also useful for professionals like psychologists, educators, and social workers, offering a scalable and accessible means of early intervention.
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