Machine Learning Model Can Predict Autism Spectrum Disorder
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Aug. 19, 2024 -- In a diagnostic study, machine learning (ML) can predict autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study published online Aug. 19 in JAMA Network Open.
Shyam Sundar Rajagopalan, Ph.D., from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, and colleagues developed and validated an ML model for predicting ASD using a minimal set of features from background and medical information. A retrospective analysis of the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge database was conducted, including data from 30,660 participants (15,330 with and 15,330 without ASD). Generalizable ML prediction models were developed using four algorithms: logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost).
The researchers found that the XGBoost model demonstrated strong performance, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) score of 0.895; sensitivity and specificity of 0.805 and 0.829, respectively; and a positive predictive value of 0.897. The most important predictors were developmental milestones and eating behavior. An AUROC of 0.790 was seen on validation on independent cohorts, indicating good generalizability.
"Early medical information in child care clinics can be used to screen for those with a higher probability of being diagnosed with ASD," the authors write.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted August 2024
Read this next
Opportunistic Community Screening IDs Uncontrolled Cardiovascular Risk Factors
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- Opportunistic pop-up community screening identifies a high prevalence of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors, according to a study published online...
Missed Opportunity Common in Patients With High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- A considerable proportion of patients with high-grade serous cancer (HGSC) have missed opportunities for risk assessment with genetic testing and for...
EHR Notes Reveal Potential Racial Bias in Doctors' Perception of Patient Credibility
FRIDAY, Aug. 15, 2025 -- An analysis of more than 13 million electronic health record (EHR) notes shows potential racial bias in how doctors document patient trustworthiness...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.