Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment condition that is normally linked with substantial healthcare costs. Typical ASD screening techniques are time consuming, so the early detection of ASD could reduce such costs and help limit the development of the condition.
Objective: We propose an automated approach to detect autistic traits that replaces the scoring function used in current ASD screening with a more intelligent and less subjective approach.
Methods: The proposed approach employs deep neural networks (DNNs) to detect hidden patterns from previously labelled cases and controls, then applies the knowledge derived to classify the individual being screened. Specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of the proposed approach are evaluated using ten-fold cross-validation. A comparative analysis has also been conducted to compare the DNNs' performance with other prominent machine learning algorithms.
Results: Results indicate that deep learning technologies can be embedded within existing ASD screening to assist the stakeholders in the early identification of ASD traits.
Conclusion: The proposed system will facilitate access to needed support for the social, physical, and educational well-being of the patient and family by making ASD screening more intelligent and accurate.
Keywords: ASD screening; Autism; deep neural network; detection systems; machine learning; medical screening.