An ongoing study by Monash University’s School of Psychological Sciences to improve Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and support has been strengthened by a new two-year collaboration with BlinkLab, a digital healthcare company developing smartphone-based AI-powered diagnostic tests for neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
The MAGNET Project: Advancing Understanding of Autism and ADHD
The MAGNET project is a large cohort study aiming to enrol 1,000 families with children aged 4 to 18 with only ADHD, only autism, or co-occurring ADHD and autism. The study employs a family-based design, enrolling children with autism and/or ADHD, their siblings, and their parents.
The project aims to unravel the complex symptoms of autism and ADHD and investigate why they overlap in some children. Data generated by the study will address limitations in current diagnostic methods, providing a more dimensional understanding of neurodevelopment and mental health. This research has the potential to lead to better diagnostic models and more personalised support for children.
Data-Driven Subtypes and Personalised Treatment
A key focus of the MAGNET project is to isolate data-driven subtypes using deep phenotyping, which may outperform current categorical diagnoses. This approach could result in better and more personalised autism and ADHD diagnoses and treatments.
This effort is further enhanced through BlinkLab’s smartphone app, which provides accessible screening tests for children. One of its key measures is prepulse inhibition (PPI), a proxy for sensorimotor gating. Altered PPI, observed in autism and ADHD populations, highlights its potential as an objective behavioural marker for next-generation diagnostic pathways.
Exploring Digital Biomarkers with Machine Learning
The study will explore how BlinkLab’s digital biomarkers, including PPI, correlate with validated behavioural and neurocognitive markers. Through deep phenotyping and machine learning techniques, researchers aim to uncover novel, homogeneous clusters of data. These insights could significantly improve future diagnosis and treatment strategies for autism and ADHD.
Statements from Key Collaborators
Professor Mark Bellgrove, lead researcher from the School of Psychological Sciences, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with BlinkLab.
“BlinkLab’s innovative digital technologies make it easy for the children and families enrolled in the study to provide critical data. This will hopefully lead to better outcomes for future families and children diagnosed with these two complex conditions.”
Dr. Henk-Jan Boele, CEO of BlinkLab, highlighted the importance of this partnership:
“From the very foundation of our technology, BlinkLab’s mission has been to disrupt traditional methods of diagnosis and categorisation of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study, in collaboration with world-leading researchers in autism and ADHD, is a testament to our mission and hard work.”
About BlinkLab Limited
BlinkLab, founded by neuroscientists at Princeton University, has developed a smartphone-based diagnostic platform for autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Its most advanced product is an autism diagnostic test leveraging smartphones, AI, and machine learning to screen children as young as 18 months old—significantly earlier than traditional methods.
Led by an experienced management team and guided by a Scientific Advisory Board comprising leading autism and brain development experts, BlinkLab bridges cutting-edge technological innovations with groundbreaking scientific research.
About Monash University
Monash University is Australia’s largest university, with more than 80,000 students and a reputation for world-leading research, quality teaching, and inspiring innovation. With campuses in Australia and a global presence, Monash is consistently ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide for clinical, pre-clinical, and health sciences.
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Categories: School of Psychological Sciences (NOT TURNER), research
Tags: MAGNET study, Mark Bellgrove, BlinkLab
