Eye-tracking for earlier diagnosis of autism

Intensive Behaviour Intervention (IBI) is today regarded highly as the leading treatment option for children with autism spectrum disorder. But experts note that this method is most effective when the child is younger, under age 4-5. This then requires a push for early diagnosis of autism for a child to be able to get the most out of the scarce services we have available today. This will in turn spill over to a greater chance of success when the child starts attending kindergarten.
At this time, the assessment for a diagnosis is done by a developmental paediatrician who would observe the child at play and gather information through interview/s with the parents during a three-hour visit. But the signs and symptoms of autism are so wide and varied, hence the "spectrum", that it is possible for a misdiagnosis at times.
With growing awareness for a need for diagnosis as early as possible, researchers are exploring eye-tracking method to assess baby's gaze in labs both in Canada and U.S. A typically developing baby's gaze, they say, tend to look at the mouth and other parts of the human face when someone is speaking to them but children at risk for autism are noted to have a significantly different scanning patterns. Today, it is, at most, an interesting topic to read about for parents waiting in a long line just to see a developmental paediatrician for confirmation of of what they have always suspected - that their child is on the autism spectrum. But those who'd like to read
more on the subject of using eye-tracking method for early diagnosis of autism, here's one of the many links on the subject: http://jp.physoc.org/content/581/3/893.full