Software to Diagnose Sensory Issues in Fragile X Syndrome and Autism

Background

Susceptibility to sensory distractors is the hallmark symptom of Autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome. This prevents adaptation to distracting stimuli like a noisy cart or blinking lights and can lead to limited social interaction and delayed learning. Currently, there are no therapy options that target distractor susceptibility and no diagnostic tool that directly tests distractor susceptibility.

Brief Description

Professor Anubhuti Goel and colleagues from the University of California, Riverside have developed a novel diagnostic tool and software program that provides a quick, objective measure of sensory issues for individuals with Autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome. This tool works by using a software application to administer a game. Based on the individual’s score at the end of the game, a diagnosis about sensory issues may be made. This technology is advantageous because it may provide an easily accessible, low cost, and safe diagnostic tool for Fragile X Syndrome and Autism that can be developed as a telehealth diagnostic tool.   

Suggested uses

Related Materials

• Rahmatullah, Noorhan, et al. “Hypersensitivity to distractors in fragile X syndrome from loss of modulation of cortical VIP interneurons.” The Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 43, no. 48, 2023, pp. 8172–8188, https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0571-23.2023.