New Video Game-Based Tool Could Help Diagnose Autism in Children with 80% Accuracy
A motion-tracking video game offers a simple and effective way to distinguish between autism and ADHD, providing quick and accurate results for doctors.
Watan-Doctors may soon be able to diagnose children with autism using a video game that relies on a motion-tracking tool.
According to the science website Science Alert, the tool, called the “Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation,” can distinguish between children with autism and their neurotypical peers with an accuracy rate of up to 80%.
Innovative Video Game Accurately Differentiates Between Autism and ADHD
The game was also able to differentiate between children with autism and those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)—two diagnoses that are often confused—with an accuracy rate of 70%.
Researchers tested the new tool on 183 children aged 7 to 13. Among them, 21 children had autism, 35 had ADHD, 63 had both autism and ADHD, and 65 were neurotypical.
In the game, children were asked to follow full-body, dance-like movements of an on-screen character for one minute. Meanwhile, two cameras—one in front and one behind—recorded the child’s movements. The “Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation” tool then evaluated the child’s imitation accuracy.
The scores ranged from 0, indicating no imitation at all, to 1, representing “perfect” imitation.
The researchers found that the tool diagnosed autism with 80% accuracy, while the game distinguished between autism and ADHD with 70% accuracy.
Sensory and Motor Challenges Play a Key Role in Autism Diagnosis
While autism is traditionally defined by social communication difficulties, research has shown that sensory and motor challenges play a significant role in the condition and may even underlie some communication difficulties.
Children with autism often struggle to imitate movements and expressions, which are key components of human communication through body language.
Bahar Tunçgenç, a psychology researcher at Nottingham Trent University and a co-author of the study, stated: “The (Computerized Assessment of Motor Imitation) tool leverages these sensory and motor challenges to diagnose autism and differentiate it from ADHD.”
The research team highlighted the simplicity of their tool, noting that video games are highly popular and enjoyable for children, provide quick results, and are easy for doctors to interpret.
They expressed hope that this tool will eventually be used in clinical practice worldwide.
