A mobile application based on artificial intelligence (AI) will enable early and widespread diagnosis of autism (ASD) and neurodevelopmental disorders in children in Morocco. Developed by BlinkLab, this tool has been selected for the national program in the country, thus offering a method accessible via smartphone. Illustrative photo / DR. ‹ › In Morocco, a groundbreaking healthcare technology leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and smartphones is set to enhance the screening and evaluation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Developed by the Australian digital health company BlinkLab, this innovative solution has been chosen for the national screening program, backed by the Moroccan government. In an announcement made on Monday, March 23, the company detailed how the technology utilizes a smartphone's camera and audio capabilities to assess children's sensory and motor responses to videos, offering a complementary, accessible, and practical method. Global prevalence rates suggest that autism affects nearly 400,000 people in Morocco, spanning both children and adults. Within this framework, early and systematic screening can be initiated for children as young as 18 months, through a phased rollout that represents a significant advancement in diagnosis, intervention, and early care. The company also noted that the costs associated with deployment and clinical implementation will be covered «by the Moroccan State and the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity», adhering to international standards, «notably those recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO)» to ensure «equitable access in all regions». This initiative in Morocco will also establish a Center of Excellence for autism research, education, and training, drawing on the expertise of Moroccan-American Professor Abdeslem El Idrissi, a member of BlinkLab's scientific advisory board. This effort is poised to be «the first and most comprehensive of its kind in the world», positioning the kingdom as «a model for the international community». A technology validated with Morocco's contribution to trials BlinkLab's Dx1 platform, the culmination of extensive research conducted in collaboration with Princeton University, employs a smartphone camera and an AI-driven computer vision system. The test involves «capturing objective neurometric biomarkers, based on facial reflexes, startle reactions, eye and eyelid movements, postural stability, and vocal responses». Each session lasts approximately ten to fifteen minutes, during which the child views an age-appropriate video. Research findings highlight an approach that «provides reproducible neurometric data» and demonstrates «a sensitivity of up to 91%», along with high efficacy in detecting «sensory and motor profiles related to autism, regardless of gender, age, and population». Previously, autism assessments relied heavily on subjective clinical observations. In this context, the national initiative in Morocco is progressing under a framework agreement involving the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the ministries of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Health and Social Protection, as well as Solidarity, Social Integration, and Family. BlinkLab has also signed a separate agreement with the Foundation, which will play a pivotal role in the national rollout, acting as the main supporter of the Mohammed VI National Center for the Disabled (CNMH), where diagnostic evaluations will be conducted using the developed technology. The CNMH has been central to the collaboration on clinical studies. Alongside the City University of New York, the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center in Marrakech, and partner associations, the Center began exploring digital screening in 2022 using BlinkLab's tool. According to the 2023 activity report of the institution, this initiative has focused on training specialized educators in ASD and has benefited from the scientific input of Professor El Idrissi. This work also culminated in a recent publication in Autism Research, the journal of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR). These findings further validate the effectiveness of a «non-invasive digital approach» in the «rapid, standardized, and objective detection of neurometric characteristics related to autism», through a solution that is «complementary and not a standalone diagnostic tool». It is intended to be used alongside existing screening questionnaires.
