SAUDI ARABIA – King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has been granted a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office protecting its promising approach to autism spectrum disorder screening.

In an official note, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre said: “This achievement is a result of KFSH&RC’s expertise, augmented by global scientific collaborations.”

In a groundbreaking development, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre achieved a significant milestone in healthcare with a pioneering breakthrough in ASD screening.

This innovation will play a key role in addressing the limitations of traditional, subjective screening methods by being tailored to the unique linguistic and cultural aspects of Saudi Arabia, offering an efficient and more accurate alternative.

Just a few months ago, a new study conducted by scientists from Mayo Clinic and Yale University is taking science one step closer to understanding how autism spectrum disorder manifests in children.

This study revealed that the specific cells known as excitatory cortical neurons have a major influence on patterns of information transmitted within the brain.

The new study provides scientists the opportunity to potentially formulate effective approaches to diagnosing, managing, and treating autism spectrum disorder, which affects about 1 in 100 children worldwide.

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological condition that affects the way people perceive and interact with others, leading to challenges in social communication and behavior.

For this reason, KFSH&RC has developed a groundbreaking ASD screening method using eye tracking and specific visual stimuli integrated with artificial intelligence capabilities.

The AI-based approach, suitable for all ages, genders, and conditions, requires only the patient’s engagement with a visual stimulus for effective screening,” explained KFSH&RC.

The technological innovation behind this method demonstrates KFSH&RC’s successful application of cutting-edge technology in medical research.

Achieved through collaboration with global experts, the use of sophisticated hardware and software components emphasizes the Saudi hospital’s commitment to precision and safety in medical procedures.

Underlining the treatment potential of the innovative approach, KFSH&RC said: “Looking to the future, there’s potential for this approach to be used in tracking the progress of treatments and interventions.”

KFSH&RC’s innovative approach has not only earned recognition as a registered patent application in the United States Patent and Trademark Office but it is published in a Quartile 1 Journal, placing it among the top 25% in its global domain.

Before the USPTO patent, KFSH&RC researchers and partners conducted a study involving a diverse group of male and female participants across a broad age range, highlighting the method’s applicability to various demographics.

The focus on ASD in this research showcases KFSH&RC’s dedication to addressing pressing healthcare challenges through innovative methods.

It highlights the hospital’s role as a leader in medical innovation and its steadfast commitment to improving healthcare standards both nationally and globally,” highlighted KFSH&RC.

By overcoming the lengthy and subjective nature of current ASD diagnosis methods, KFSH&RC’s approach facilitates early detection and more effective treatment, enhancing patient quality of life and reducing the burdens on healthcare and educational institutions.

It is the first-of-its-kind technique designed specifically for the Saudi population, enhancing KFSH&RC’s global medical standing.

It marks more than just a significant leap forward in objective ASD screening; it represents a transformative moment for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity during the assessment and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

This achievement is a key part of KFSH&RC’s digital transformation journey, underscoring the institution’s commitment to excellence in healthcare services within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In related news, KFSH&RC extended its memorandum of understanding with the Jameel Clinic, the epicenter of artificial intelligence in healthcare at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Through the extended pact between the Jameel Clinic and KFSH&RC, Mira makes its debut as a promising tool for breast cancer detection in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Both parties will cooperate on the rollout of Mirai, a pioneering AI tool that can detect breast cancer up to five years earlier, and more accurately, than current mainstream screening techniques.

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