Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors,challenging to fully comprehend due to its variability.This article provides an overvie...Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors,challenging to fully comprehend due to its variability.This article provides an overview of ASD,including its characteristics,prevalence,diagnosis,and causes.The prevalence of ASD has been on the rise,with improved awareness and diagnostic tools.While genetics and environmental factors play a role,the exact causes remain elusive.Early intervention and various therapies are crucial for improving outcomes,although there is no cure.Ongoing research aims to uncover the complexities of ASD and develop effective treatments.Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion is essential for supporting individuals with ASD.As we continue to unravel the mysteries of ASD,we move closer to a more understanding and inclusive society.This article explores the role of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS)in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD).TMS,a non-invasive neurostimulation technique,is gaining attention as a potential therapy to address specific aspects of ASD.展开更多
Studies on the evaluation by therapists of parental behavior towards their children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD)and towards the therapists of their children are scarce.They are necessary,however,for enabling p...Studies on the evaluation by therapists of parental behavior towards their children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD)and towards the therapists of their children are scarce.They are necessary,however,for enabling parents to become co-therapists.The present study’s purpose was the evaluation by therapists of the behavior of parents towards their children,of their relationship to therapists,and therapy outcome.The sample consisted of 178 parents of 89 children(72 boys)with ASD,who underwent intensive early intervention at a day centre for developmental disabilities.The professional team completed a questionnaire,separately for the mother and father,evaluating the parental attitude towards their children and towards the therapists.The behavior of parents was less satisfactory than expected.The fathers had difficulties in understanding their child’s problems,and had unrealistic expectations;mothers’behavior towards their children and therapists was better than the fathers’.Mothers had difficulty mostly in the management of the child’s behavior,and did not do well with feeding.It might be difficult for every parent to become co-therapist.Understanding the child’s difficulties by the mother,adequate handling of feeding and homework,were statistically significant in the good outcome of therapy.展开更多
This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of static and intermittent gravity inverted therapy techniques in improvement of motor apraxia and cognitive abilities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 30 childr...This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of static and intermittent gravity inverted therapy techniques in improvement of motor apraxia and cognitive abilities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 30 children were randomly joined in this study into two groups;Group A (sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques) and Group B (sensory integration therapy approach only). Block design test was used to locate and follow constructional apraxia, computerized information processing speed test to locate and follow cognitive processing and grooved pegboard test was used to locate and follow fine motor skills. The variance between pre- and post-treatment results was highly significant in the study group in all variables. By comparison of the two groups in constructional apraxia variables test at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study groups (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in cognitive processing variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study group (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in fine motor skills variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favor to study group (p < 0.05). According to the outcomes of this study, it can be terminated that the sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques can be recommended in improvement constructional apraxia and cognitive processing abilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.展开更多
Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neuronal developmental disorder that is characterized by de⁃fects both in social interaction and verbal communication,and is often accompanied by restricted interest,and repeti⁃tive a...Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neuronal developmental disorder that is characterized by de⁃fects both in social interaction and verbal communication,and is often accompanied by restricted interest,and repeti⁃tive and stereotyped behaviors.The prevalence of ASD is approximately 0.8%~1.2%in China.Although its etiology remains unclear in most cases,over 1000 genes or genomic loci have been linked to its pathogenic origin,indicating a strong genetic influence,as well as complicated pathogenic mechanisms.Here,we reviewed recent findings in the possible genetic effects on synaptic pathophysiology of ASD,and a particular focus was put on variants in genes that are related to synaptic morphology or functions,such as FMR1,NRXN,NLGN,SHANK and MeCP2.The synaptic pathology caused by these genetic defects may substantially contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD.This review out⁃lines several lines of evidence that have been recently reported to support the hypothesis that a genetic defect may lead to a synaptic pathology that may underlie the pathogenesis of ASD.展开更多
To examine the difference between early-onset (< age 3) childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and autistic disorder with speech loss (ADSL), 8 children with early-onset CDD (mean age = 7.6 years, SD = 3.8;6 males...To examine the difference between early-onset (< age 3) childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and autistic disorder with speech loss (ADSL), 8 children with early-onset CDD (mean age = 7.6 years, SD = 3.8;6 males) were compared with 92 age and gender-ratio comparable children with ADSL (mean age = 6.8 years, SD = 4.1;70 males) on 24 variables not directly related to the key features of CDD (regression after normal development for at least the first 2 years after birth). Compared with the ADSL group, the early-onset CDD group had a tendency to have a higher rate of a psychosocial event before speech loss (SL) (early-onset CDD, 75.0% vs ADSL, 37.0%, p = 0.057;effect size (phi) = 0.211, p < 0.05);a significantly higher rate of fearfulness during SL (62.5% vs 4.3%, p = 0.000;phi = 0.551, p < 0.05);and a tendency to have a higher rate of epilepsy (25.0% vs 3.3%, p = 0.050;phi = 0.271, p < 0.05), a tendency to have a lower rate of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Tokyo Version (CARS-TV) total score ≥ 30 (75.0% vs 95.7%, p = 0.072;phi = 0.236, p < 0.05), and a significantly lower rate of CARS-TV item 2 (imitation) score ≥ 2 (50.0% vs 82.6%, p = 0.049;phi = 0.221, p < 0.05) on the first visit. The two groups did not exhibit any significant difference in the other 19 variables. The findings of no significant difference in the great majority and a significant difference in the small minority of the 24 variables between the two groups support integrating CDD into regressive autism spectrum disorder and studying CDD as its prototypical form.展开更多
Growing genetic evidence including results of genome-wide association studies and whole-genome sequencing is still perplexing scientists in the fields of human complex traits and compels them to reconsider the relatio...Growing genetic evidence including results of genome-wide association studies and whole-genome sequencing is still perplexing scientists in the fields of human complex traits and compels them to reconsider the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The developmental trajectory of schizophrenia may be characterized by difficulties in “theory of mind” tasks, poor insight or imagination, low empathy level, weak executive function, failure in social judgments, delayed language development, movement mannerisms, motoric rituals, strong preoccupation with unusual objects, bizarre habits, and high intelligence. Most of these characteristics are associated with the standard criteria for ASD and all of them are core domains or endophenotypes of ASD. The diagnosed ASD cases, which were found in individuals with schizophrenia, have a significant tendency to be highfunctioning and to have atypical age of ASD manifestation. Episodic features including reality distortion, which can be seen in individual with ASD, may be associated with hyperarousal conditions with cognitive hypersensitivity, misattribution of negative experiences, and the perceptual thinking style. Together with the emerging new genetic concepts concerning human behavioral complex traits, the results and constructions of these recent studies may further warrant that reconsideration of the relationship between ASD and psychotic conditions is necessary. In addition, the possibility that psychotic conditions are the secondary derivative states in individuals with ASD or in individuals with subclinical ASD components should be constructively examined.展开更多
With an increase in the number of cases of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),dental professionals need to be aware of the different techniques required to ensure safe dental treatments for affected patients. The concerns ...With an increase in the number of cases of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),dental professionals need to be aware of the different techniques required to ensure safe dental treatments for affected patients. The concerns and preferences of the parents and the medical and dental history of each patient should be considered. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive update on the medical and dental health of patients with ASD. A detailed search of the electronic database PubMed/Medline/Lilacs was performed for the terms"Autism", "Autistic", "Autism Spectrum Disorder", "ASD", "Dentistry" and"Dentist", in the period between 2006 and 2017. Systemic reviews, research articles, and literature reviews were included. Expert opinions, case series, and case reports were excluded from the search. A detailed family-centered approach based on the preferences and concerns of parents is an important foundation for appropriate individualized dental treatment of patients with ASD. In addition,the knowledge of disruptive behaviors and patient′s challenges may guide dental practitioners in improving treatment planning, oral management, and the overall oral health of patients with ASD.展开更多
目的·探究“行为干预研究单位孤独症网络家长培训”[the Research Units in Behavioral Intervention(RUBI)Autism Network Parent Training,RUBI-PT]方案的中国本土化改编并对其适应性进行调查。方法·按照文化改编的4个步骤...目的·探究“行为干预研究单位孤独症网络家长培训”[the Research Units in Behavioral Intervention(RUBI)Autism Network Parent Training,RUBI-PT]方案的中国本土化改编并对其适应性进行调查。方法·按照文化改编的4个步骤对RUBI-PT方案进行改编,包括信息收集、初步改编设计、初步改编测试、进一步调整。信息收集阶段邀请了6位儿科专家和2位心理治疗师进行6次焦点小组访谈,并根据专家意见从语言、治疗形式、治疗设置等方面对RUBI-PT方案进行初步改编;初步改编测试阶段招募了16位孤独症谱系障碍(autism spectrum disorder,ASD)患儿的家长,分2批参加线上RUBI-PT,结束后收集项目反馈问卷并行适应性调查分析,最后根据测试结果进行方案的进一步调整。结果·RUBI-PT的初步改编方案由个体培训调整为团体培训,包含8次核心技能课程,采用线上会议形式实施。初步测试结果显示,家长对于上课进度、上课过程、课后作业完成情况、作业点评情况的满意度分别为90%、80%、100%和100%;课程难度方面,第7次课(功能性沟通训练)和第8次课(教授技能)的难度最大。依据上述调查结果和专家小组意见完成进一步调整,最终形成本土化RUBI-PT的改编方案。结论·经过改编和适应性调查,形成了适用于中国ASD儿童家庭的家长行为训练策略即RUBI-PT。展开更多
Autistic spectrum disorder(ASD)is a male-biased,heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1%e2%of the population.Prenatal exposure to valproic acid(VPA)is a recognized risk factor for ASD,bu...Autistic spectrum disorder(ASD)is a male-biased,heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1%e2%of the population.Prenatal exposure to valproic acid(VPA)is a recognized risk factor for ASD,but the cellular and molecular basis of VPA-induced ASD at the single-cell resolution is unclear.Here,we aim to compare the cellular and molecular differences in the hippocampus between male and female prenatal mice with ASD at the single-cell transcriptomic level.The transcriptomes of more than 45,000 cells are assigned to 12 major cell types,including neurons,glial cells,vascular cells,and immune cells.Cell type-specific genes with altered expression after prenatal VPA exposure are analyzed,and the largest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)are found in neurons,choroid plexus epithelial cells,and microglia.In microglia,several pathways related to inflammation are found in both males and females,including the tumor necrosis factor(TNF),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB),toll-like receptor(TLR),and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways,which are important for the induction of autistic-like behavior.Additionally,we note that several X-linked genes,including Bex1,Bex3,and Gria3,were among the male-specific DEGs of neurons.This pioneering study describes the landscape of the transcriptome in the hippocampus of autistic mice.The elucidation of sexual differences could provide innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.展开更多
Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant challenges in social interaction,communication,and repetitive behaviors.Timely and precise ASD detection is crucial,particula...Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant challenges in social interaction,communication,and repetitive behaviors.Timely and precise ASD detection is crucial,particularly in regions with limited diagnostic resources like Pakistan.This study aims to conduct an extensive comparative analysis of various machine learning classifiers for ASD detection using facial images to identify an accurate and cost-effective solution tailored to the local context.The research involves experimentation with VGG16 and MobileNet models,exploring different batch sizes,optimizers,and learning rate schedulers.In addition,the“Orange”machine learning tool is employed to evaluate classifier performance and automated image processing capabilities are utilized within the tool.The findings unequivocally establish VGG16 as the most effective classifier with a 5-fold cross-validation approach.Specifically,VGG16,with a batch size of 2 and the Adam optimizer,trained for 100 epochs,achieves a remarkable validation accuracy of 99% and a testing accuracy of 87%.Furthermore,the model achieves an F1 score of 88%,precision of 85%,and recall of 90% on test images.To validate the practical applicability of the VGG16 model with 5-fold cross-validation,the study conducts further testing on a dataset sourced fromautism centers in Pakistan,resulting in an accuracy rate of 85%.This reaffirms the model’s suitability for real-world ASD detection.This research offers valuable insights into classifier performance,emphasizing the potential of machine learning to deliver precise and accessible ASD diagnoses via facial image analysis.展开更多
文摘Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors,challenging to fully comprehend due to its variability.This article provides an overview of ASD,including its characteristics,prevalence,diagnosis,and causes.The prevalence of ASD has been on the rise,with improved awareness and diagnostic tools.While genetics and environmental factors play a role,the exact causes remain elusive.Early intervention and various therapies are crucial for improving outcomes,although there is no cure.Ongoing research aims to uncover the complexities of ASD and develop effective treatments.Embracing diversity and fostering inclusion is essential for supporting individuals with ASD.As we continue to unravel the mysteries of ASD,we move closer to a more understanding and inclusive society.This article explores the role of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(TMS)in the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD).TMS,a non-invasive neurostimulation technique,is gaining attention as a potential therapy to address specific aspects of ASD.
文摘Studies on the evaluation by therapists of parental behavior towards their children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder(ASD)and towards the therapists of their children are scarce.They are necessary,however,for enabling parents to become co-therapists.The present study’s purpose was the evaluation by therapists of the behavior of parents towards their children,of their relationship to therapists,and therapy outcome.The sample consisted of 178 parents of 89 children(72 boys)with ASD,who underwent intensive early intervention at a day centre for developmental disabilities.The professional team completed a questionnaire,separately for the mother and father,evaluating the parental attitude towards their children and towards the therapists.The behavior of parents was less satisfactory than expected.The fathers had difficulties in understanding their child’s problems,and had unrealistic expectations;mothers’behavior towards their children and therapists was better than the fathers’.Mothers had difficulty mostly in the management of the child’s behavior,and did not do well with feeding.It might be difficult for every parent to become co-therapist.Understanding the child’s difficulties by the mother,adequate handling of feeding and homework,were statistically significant in the good outcome of therapy.
文摘This work was carried out to investigate the efficacy of static and intermittent gravity inverted therapy techniques in improvement of motor apraxia and cognitive abilities in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 30 children were randomly joined in this study into two groups;Group A (sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques) and Group B (sensory integration therapy approach only). Block design test was used to locate and follow constructional apraxia, computerized information processing speed test to locate and follow cognitive processing and grooved pegboard test was used to locate and follow fine motor skills. The variance between pre- and post-treatment results was highly significant in the study group in all variables. By comparison of the two groups in constructional apraxia variables test at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study groups (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in cognitive processing variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favour to study group (p < 0.05). By comparison of the two groups in fine motor skills variable at post-treatment, there was a highly representative elevation in favor to study group (p < 0.05). According to the outcomes of this study, it can be terminated that the sensory integration therapy approach plus static and intermittent inversion therapy techniques can be recommended in improvement constructional apraxia and cognitive processing abilities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children.
文摘Autism spectrum disorder(ASD)is a neuronal developmental disorder that is characterized by de⁃fects both in social interaction and verbal communication,and is often accompanied by restricted interest,and repeti⁃tive and stereotyped behaviors.The prevalence of ASD is approximately 0.8%~1.2%in China.Although its etiology remains unclear in most cases,over 1000 genes or genomic loci have been linked to its pathogenic origin,indicating a strong genetic influence,as well as complicated pathogenic mechanisms.Here,we reviewed recent findings in the possible genetic effects on synaptic pathophysiology of ASD,and a particular focus was put on variants in genes that are related to synaptic morphology or functions,such as FMR1,NRXN,NLGN,SHANK and MeCP2.The synaptic pathology caused by these genetic defects may substantially contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD.This review out⁃lines several lines of evidence that have been recently reported to support the hypothesis that a genetic defect may lead to a synaptic pathology that may underlie the pathogenesis of ASD.
文摘To examine the difference between early-onset (< age 3) childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) and autistic disorder with speech loss (ADSL), 8 children with early-onset CDD (mean age = 7.6 years, SD = 3.8;6 males) were compared with 92 age and gender-ratio comparable children with ADSL (mean age = 6.8 years, SD = 4.1;70 males) on 24 variables not directly related to the key features of CDD (regression after normal development for at least the first 2 years after birth). Compared with the ADSL group, the early-onset CDD group had a tendency to have a higher rate of a psychosocial event before speech loss (SL) (early-onset CDD, 75.0% vs ADSL, 37.0%, p = 0.057;effect size (phi) = 0.211, p < 0.05);a significantly higher rate of fearfulness during SL (62.5% vs 4.3%, p = 0.000;phi = 0.551, p < 0.05);and a tendency to have a higher rate of epilepsy (25.0% vs 3.3%, p = 0.050;phi = 0.271, p < 0.05), a tendency to have a lower rate of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale-Tokyo Version (CARS-TV) total score ≥ 30 (75.0% vs 95.7%, p = 0.072;phi = 0.236, p < 0.05), and a significantly lower rate of CARS-TV item 2 (imitation) score ≥ 2 (50.0% vs 82.6%, p = 0.049;phi = 0.221, p < 0.05) on the first visit. The two groups did not exhibit any significant difference in the other 19 variables. The findings of no significant difference in the great majority and a significant difference in the small minority of the 24 variables between the two groups support integrating CDD into regressive autism spectrum disorder and studying CDD as its prototypical form.
文摘Growing genetic evidence including results of genome-wide association studies and whole-genome sequencing is still perplexing scientists in the fields of human complex traits and compels them to reconsider the relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. The developmental trajectory of schizophrenia may be characterized by difficulties in “theory of mind” tasks, poor insight or imagination, low empathy level, weak executive function, failure in social judgments, delayed language development, movement mannerisms, motoric rituals, strong preoccupation with unusual objects, bizarre habits, and high intelligence. Most of these characteristics are associated with the standard criteria for ASD and all of them are core domains or endophenotypes of ASD. The diagnosed ASD cases, which were found in individuals with schizophrenia, have a significant tendency to be highfunctioning and to have atypical age of ASD manifestation. Episodic features including reality distortion, which can be seen in individual with ASD, may be associated with hyperarousal conditions with cognitive hypersensitivity, misattribution of negative experiences, and the perceptual thinking style. Together with the emerging new genetic concepts concerning human behavioral complex traits, the results and constructions of these recent studies may further warrant that reconsideration of the relationship between ASD and psychotic conditions is necessary. In addition, the possibility that psychotic conditions are the secondary derivative states in individuals with ASD or in individuals with subclinical ASD components should be constructively examined.
文摘With an increase in the number of cases of autism spectrum disorder(ASD),dental professionals need to be aware of the different techniques required to ensure safe dental treatments for affected patients. The concerns and preferences of the parents and the medical and dental history of each patient should be considered. The aim of this article was to provide a comprehensive update on the medical and dental health of patients with ASD. A detailed search of the electronic database PubMed/Medline/Lilacs was performed for the terms"Autism", "Autistic", "Autism Spectrum Disorder", "ASD", "Dentistry" and"Dentist", in the period between 2006 and 2017. Systemic reviews, research articles, and literature reviews were included. Expert opinions, case series, and case reports were excluded from the search. A detailed family-centered approach based on the preferences and concerns of parents is an important foundation for appropriate individualized dental treatment of patients with ASD. In addition,the knowledge of disruptive behaviors and patient′s challenges may guide dental practitioners in improving treatment planning, oral management, and the overall oral health of patients with ASD.
文摘目的·探究“行为干预研究单位孤独症网络家长培训”[the Research Units in Behavioral Intervention(RUBI)Autism Network Parent Training,RUBI-PT]方案的中国本土化改编并对其适应性进行调查。方法·按照文化改编的4个步骤对RUBI-PT方案进行改编,包括信息收集、初步改编设计、初步改编测试、进一步调整。信息收集阶段邀请了6位儿科专家和2位心理治疗师进行6次焦点小组访谈,并根据专家意见从语言、治疗形式、治疗设置等方面对RUBI-PT方案进行初步改编;初步改编测试阶段招募了16位孤独症谱系障碍(autism spectrum disorder,ASD)患儿的家长,分2批参加线上RUBI-PT,结束后收集项目反馈问卷并行适应性调查分析,最后根据测试结果进行方案的进一步调整。结果·RUBI-PT的初步改编方案由个体培训调整为团体培训,包含8次核心技能课程,采用线上会议形式实施。初步测试结果显示,家长对于上课进度、上课过程、课后作业完成情况、作业点评情况的满意度分别为90%、80%、100%和100%;课程难度方面,第7次课(功能性沟通训练)和第8次课(教授技能)的难度最大。依据上述调查结果和专家小组意见完成进一步调整,最终形成本土化RUBI-PT的改编方案。结论·经过改编和适应性调查,形成了适用于中国ASD儿童家庭的家长行为训练策略即RUBI-PT。
基金Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(2022RC1221)Hunan Provincial Health Commission project(D202306047422)Chinese Medicine Research Program of Hunan Province(D2022031)。
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82074162 and 82274344)Project for Capacity Promotion of Putuo District Clinical Special Disease“Stroke”,Science and Technology Innovation Project of Putuo District Health System(ptkwws201902 and ptkwws202301)+2 种基金Training Plan of“100 professionals”of Shanghai Putuo District Central Hospital(2022-RCJC-05)Project of“XingLin Scholars Training”of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(YYZX2022170)Shanghai Putuo District Health System Clinical Characteristic Special Disease Construction Project(2023tszb04).
文摘Autistic spectrum disorder(ASD)is a male-biased,heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1%e2%of the population.Prenatal exposure to valproic acid(VPA)is a recognized risk factor for ASD,but the cellular and molecular basis of VPA-induced ASD at the single-cell resolution is unclear.Here,we aim to compare the cellular and molecular differences in the hippocampus between male and female prenatal mice with ASD at the single-cell transcriptomic level.The transcriptomes of more than 45,000 cells are assigned to 12 major cell types,including neurons,glial cells,vascular cells,and immune cells.Cell type-specific genes with altered expression after prenatal VPA exposure are analyzed,and the largest number of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)are found in neurons,choroid plexus epithelial cells,and microglia.In microglia,several pathways related to inflammation are found in both males and females,including the tumor necrosis factor(TNF),nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB),toll-like receptor(TLR),and mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathways,which are important for the induction of autistic-like behavior.Additionally,we note that several X-linked genes,including Bex1,Bex3,and Gria3,were among the male-specific DEGs of neurons.This pioneering study describes the landscape of the transcriptome in the hippocampus of autistic mice.The elucidation of sexual differences could provide innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
文摘Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant challenges in social interaction,communication,and repetitive behaviors.Timely and precise ASD detection is crucial,particularly in regions with limited diagnostic resources like Pakistan.This study aims to conduct an extensive comparative analysis of various machine learning classifiers for ASD detection using facial images to identify an accurate and cost-effective solution tailored to the local context.The research involves experimentation with VGG16 and MobileNet models,exploring different batch sizes,optimizers,and learning rate schedulers.In addition,the“Orange”machine learning tool is employed to evaluate classifier performance and automated image processing capabilities are utilized within the tool.The findings unequivocally establish VGG16 as the most effective classifier with a 5-fold cross-validation approach.Specifically,VGG16,with a batch size of 2 and the Adam optimizer,trained for 100 epochs,achieves a remarkable validation accuracy of 99% and a testing accuracy of 87%.Furthermore,the model achieves an F1 score of 88%,precision of 85%,and recall of 90% on test images.To validate the practical applicability of the VGG16 model with 5-fold cross-validation,the study conducts further testing on a dataset sourced fromautism centers in Pakistan,resulting in an accuracy rate of 85%.This reaffirms the model’s suitability for real-world ASD detection.This research offers valuable insights into classifier performance,emphasizing the potential of machine learning to deliver precise and accessible ASD diagnoses via facial image analysis.
