• BlinkLab will participate in MAGNET project run by Monash University
  • Enrolment is planned for 1000 families with children diagnosed with only autism, only ADHD, or both
  • Project aims to identify novel autism and ADHD subtypes using comprehensive data collection

 

Special Report: BlinkLab will participate in the ‘landmark’ MAGNET (Monash Autism & ADHD Genetics and Neurodevelopment) project, an ongoing, study aiming to enrol 1000 families with children diagnosed with only autism, only ADHD, or both.

BlinkLab (ASX:BB1), a digital healthcare company developing smartphone-based AI diagnostic tests for neurological conditions, has announced it will participate in the MAGNET project by Monash University’s School of Psychological Sciences.

Described by BB1 as a ‘landmark project’, MAGNET is taking an innovative family-based approach, enrolling parents, affected children and siblings (whether affected or not) in the same study.

BB1 said the project sought to identify novel autism and ADHD subtypes using comprehensive data collection, including BlinkLab Dx 1 biomarkers.

BlinkLab Dx 1 is a platform that uses advanced smartphone sensors to measure subtle changes in sensory responses, focusing on the brain’s reaction to unexpected sounds.

According to the company, the platform leverages a known phenomenon in which individuals with ADHD and autism often exhibit different responses to unexpected sounds, such as blinking more frequently or differently compared to neurotypical individuals.

Regarding the biomarkers in the use of the MAGNET study, BB1 said they may outperform current categorical diagnoses with potential future implications for better and more personalised autism and ADHD diagnosis and treatment.

The goal of MAGNET is to advance beyond traditional diagnostic categories to improve and personalise diagnosis and treatment for autism and ADHD.

 

Studies show ADHD and autism can be present together

Autism and ADHD are neurodevelopmental conditions affecting 1-4% and 5-7% of the population, respectively.

Autism typically presents with social communication challenges, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and altered sensory processing.

ADHD is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. Studies show that autism symptoms are present in 30-80% of ADHD cases and vice versa in 20-50% of autism cases.

BB1 said introduction of the DSM-5 – a comprehensive classification system published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) – had allowed, for the first time, the concurrent diagnosis of autism and ADHD.

The two conditions are now recognised to co-occur in up to 50% of cases, and the co-occurrence can be associated with more severe ADHD and higher treatment needs overall.

 

Study to incorporate key BlinkLab measure

The MAGNET project will enrol ~1,000 families with children aged between 4 and 18 years.

The study will incorporate the BlinkLab PPI (prepulse inhibition) measure to determine how PPI measures vary within the different diagnostics – ADHD vs autism vs ADHD + autism.

The results will show whether the BlinkLab Dx 1 platform can distinguish between these groups.

PPI is a key measure used in BlinkLab Dx 1 and is considered an effective proxy for sensorimotor gating, which is the brain’s ability to filter out irrelevant information and prioritise what is relevant.

BB1 said deficits in PPI have been observed in individuals with autism but not in those with ADHD, suggesting its potential as a tool to differentiate between these two conditions.

Clinically, this distinction was crucial, as treatment, support and care strategies differ significantly for individuals with only autism, only ADHD, or with both autism and ADHD.

There was also little known about the extent to which any deficits in PPI extend to the undiagnosed family members of children with autism, ADHD, or with both autism and ADHD.

BB1 said a unique feature of the study design was that tests would be carried out with the diagnosed child and their family members.

Data from both parents, wherever possible, would determine the degree to which BB1’s platform could detect performance variation within families, and thus can serve as a proxy for familial risk for these conditions.

 

Mission to disrupt traditional diagnosis methods

The diagnostic process for ADHD and autism is time-consuming and expensive, characterised by a wide variety of symptoms and behaviours.

“From the very foundation of our technology, the BlinkLab mission was always to disrupt the traditional methods of diagnosis and categorisation of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions,” BB1 CEO Dr Henk-Jan Boele said.

He noted that using objective behavioural markers, like PPI, would potentially play an important role in the next generation of diagnostic pathways and personalised interventions.

“Participation in this landmark study with world-leading researchers and authorities in the field of autism and ADHD, is a testament to our mission and hard work by our team,” he said.

Professor Mark Bellgrove, lead researcher of Monash University’s School of Psychological Sciences, said that he was delighted to collaborate with BB1 on the MAGNET study:

“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 affected by these two complex and challenging conditions.”

 

This article was developed in collaboration with BlinkLab, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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