NCT07590973 · Blinklab Limited
Online Evaluation of the Diagnostic Accuracy of BlinkLab's Digital Assessments for Autism
What this study is about
This observational study aims to evaluate how patterns of behavioral and sensorimotor responses measured using the BlinkLab Dx1 smartphone application relate to autism diagnoses in children ages 2 to 11. BlinkLab Dx1 is a non-invasive, smartphone-based application under development as a diagnostic aid for healthcare providers assessing autism.
View original scientific description
This observational study aims to evaluate how patterns of behavioral and sensorimotor responses measured using the BlinkLab Dx1 smartphone application relate to autism diagnoses in children ages 2 to 11. BlinkLab Dx1 is a non-invasive, smartphone-based application under development as a diagnostic aid for healthcare providers assessing autism. In this study, children who have undergone a neurodevelopmental assessment within the past 12 months will complete two short, video-based sessions using the BlinkLab Dx1 app. The app presents visual and auditory stimuli and records reflexive sensorimotor responses and patterns of repetitive behavior. Additionally, primary caregivers will answer a short questionnaire in the app about symptoms and development. Information about prior neurodevelopmental assessments, including documented DSM-5-based diagnoses from routine clinical practice, will be collected retrospectively. The study will examine how the app's neurobehavioral measurements relate to previously assigned clinical diagnoses. These paired data will be used to develop and evaluate a machine learning-based algorithm using separate training and testing datasets to assess whether patterns measured by BlinkLab Dx1 can help distinguish children with autism from children without an autism diagnosis. This study does not involve any treatment or medical intervention.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
BlinkLab Dx1
BlinkLab Dx1 is a machine learning-based algorithm that generates a continuous score reflecting likelihood of autism from neurobehavioral responses (including measures such as pre-pulse inhibition and habituation, motor activity, and vocalizations) recorded during standardized video-watching sessions in a mobile application. Pre-specified thresholds, determined during model development and fixed prior to evaluation in the independent test dataset, are applied to categorize results as " Positive for autism", "Intermediate" or "Nagative for autism". Results in the intermediate category are considered indeterminate and are excluded from primary diagnostic performance analyses, which are based on participants with definitive positive or negative test results.
BEHAVIORAL
Retrospective Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Assessment
The clinical reference standard is a retrospective neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessment conducted within 12 months prior to enrollment, based on DSM-5 criteria. Participants are classified as having or not having an autism diagnosis based on the documented diagnostic conclusions of these assessments.
Primary outcome measures
Sensitivity of BlinkLab Dx1
Time frame: Baseline (including index test completed during the enrollment period and reference standard diagnosis from assessments conducted within 12 months prior to enrollment)
Sensitivity of BlinkLab Dx1, defined as the proportion of participants with a positive clinical reference standard diagnosis of autism who are correctly identified as positive by the index test.
Specificity of BlinkLab Dx1
Time frame: Baseline (including index test completed during the enrollment period and reference standard diagnosis from assessments conducted within 12 months prior to enrollment)
Specificity of the BlinkLab Dx1 algorithm, defined as the proportion of participants without a clinical reference standard diagnosis of autism who are correctly identified as negative by the index test.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age: Children between 2 to 11 years old
- Parent/Caregiver/Healthcare Provider Concern: The child has received a diagnostic outcome of a neurodevelopmental assessment based on DSM-5 criteria within the past 12 months.
- Language Proficiency: Parents and subjects must have functional English capability in the home environment.
- Informed Consent: Parents must be able to read, understand, and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent Form (ICF).
- Videotaping: subjects must be willing to be videotaped during the diagnostic assessment by the BlinkLab App.
Exclusion criteria
- Device Compatibility: Parents without smartphone capabilities necessary for using the BlinkLab app.
- Previous Enrollment: Subjects who have been previously enrolled in any BlinkLab clinical study.
- Location of at home testing: Not being able to complete all remote at-home study sessions within the US.
- History of audiogenic seizures: Participants with a known history of seizures that are triggered by auditory stimuli, including reflex or startle epilepsy provoked by sounds (audiogenic seizures), or any other form of sound-induced epilepsy.
Where
- Princeton, New Jersey
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations