Media.Player

Imaging method for early detection of autism in children

Summary

Lead Inventors: Joy Hirsch Ph.D.Problem or Unmet Need:Current autism diagnosis methods are subjective processes typically based on behavioral observations taken at relatively late stages in a child's development. This is largely due to a general definition of autism that comprises a broad range of symptoms, many of which are detected through assessments of a child's speech and social skills. A method by which autism could be objectively detected at an early stage of life would facilitate earlier, more effective, treatment regimes.This invention describes an imaging method for early, objective diagnosis of autism in children possibly as young as 2-3 years of age. It utilizes a combination of widely accepted imaging techniques to generate functional images of a child's brain during auditory stimulation. Images taken from autistic individuals exhibit several distinct traits when compared to control individuals known to be non-autistic. The technique is ideal for very young individuals who may not have established speaking ability as it uses a series of familiar auditory stimuli to assess brain response.

Technology Benefits

- An early autism diagnosis method that does not require the child to have speaking / social abilities- Objective autism diagnosis method that relies on established brain imaging techniques- No side effects associated with imaging sessions because imaging modality does not use radiation - Enables tracking of disease progression and treatment effectiveness through multiple imaging sessions

Technology Application

- This invention can be used as an objective, early diagnostic imaging method for detecting autism in children.- This invention can also be used to track disease progression and treatment efficacy through multiple imaging sessions.

Detailed Technology Description

This invention describes an imaging method for early, objective diagnosis of autism in children possibly as young as 2-3 years of age. It utilizes a combination of widely accepted imaging techniques to generate functional images of a child's b...

*Abstract

None

*Inquiry

Ron Katz Columbia Technology Ventures Tel: (212) 854-8444 Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu

*IR

2378

*Principal Investigator

*Web Links

Patent Pending: (WO/2010/048438)

Country/Region

USA