South Korean Universities Lead National Project for Early Autism Detection
South Korea’s top universities, Yonsei University and Seoul National University, are spearheading a national initiative to promote early detection of autism spectrum disorder in the country. With the support of the National Center for Mental Health and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the project has secured 9.2 billion won ($6.6 million) in government funding.
Development of AI-Powered Devices
The project aims to develop AI-powered digital and medical devices for screening autism, with a target release date of 2028. These devices will utilize algorithms based on data collected from a cohort of 1,200 infants and toddlers below 48 months. The consortium also plans to seek innovative medical device designation from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
Significance of the Project
Recent reports have indicated a rise in cases of ASD among Korean children and adolescents over the past decade. The prevalence of DSM-5-defined ASD is estimated to be 2.20%, underscoring the need for more effective prevention and care strategies for individuals with autism. Current diagnostic approaches rely heavily on specialists’ assessments and subjective observations, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of objectivity.
“The AI-based [ASD] screening assistive medical device developed through this project will revolutionize early autism diagnosis and treatment,” stated Professor Chun Geun-ah from Yonsei University Severance Hospital, the principal project investigator. The consortium aims to overcome existing diagnostic limitations and improve treatment outcomes.
Collaboration and Partnerships
The consortium includes major hospitals such as Yonsei’s Gangnam Severance Hospital, Ewha Womans University Hospital, and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, along with digital health companies like HurayPositive and Adotcure. This collaborative effort brings together expertise from healthcare providers and technology firms to drive innovation in autism detection and care.
Advancements in ASD Research
Seoul National University Hospital recently established a living laboratory to gather data for developing algorithm-driven models for ASD detection and personalized treatment. This initiative, supported by the National Center for Mental Health, paves the way for new digital therapeutics and the identification of autism biomarkers.
AI technology is increasingly being utilized in ASD screening and treatment globally. Companies like EarliTec Diagnostics in the United States have received regulatory approval for autism decision support tools, while research in Japan explores the use of eye-tracking technology as a potential behavioral marker for autism.
