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An Eye Exam for Autism and ADHD Diagnosis
Can biometric testing reduce the late diagnosis in girls?
A few years ago, my daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or condition (ASC). While seeking a diagnosis for my daughter, I realized I might be autistic as well (Our Daughter’s Journey to an Autism Diagnosis). My daughter went through several neuropsychological evaluations before a provider could officially diagnose her. Girls and even some boys may not be formally diagnosed until adulthood. I wondered why this was the case. It is because our healthcare system has been using qualitative instruments to measure autism in individuals. The evaluation tests such as Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) are highly subjective, and even trained providers are likely to miss a positive diagnosis (Let’s Make It Easier for the Future Generation of Autistic Girls). Getting an earlier diagnosis can make a big difference for an individual. They can receive the needed services and supports at an earlier age, thus improving their chances of fulfilling their natural potential.
Recently I have come across several other methods for autism diagnosis which are more objective and quantitative. One such test involves a retinal eye exam using an electroretinogram.
A team of researchers from Australia, Canada, and the UK completed a study evaluating the application of electroretinogram (ERG) for detecting ASD and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are many overlapping symptoms associated with both ASD and ADHD. For this reason, diagnosing these conditions using a subjective test is not always reliable. Accurate diagnosis allows individuals to access supports that align with their needs rather than wasting time and energy through trial and error.
Constable et al. employed ERGs to measure the electrical activity of the eyes, more specifically, the retina’s electrical activity in response to light. The back side of our retina has rods and cones, cells that are sensitive to light. ERG uses a specialized contact lens with embedded electrodes or electrical sensors. These sensors measure the electrical activity of the retina in response to light. This response is recorded in the form of waves that have different…
