Supporting earlier assessments for autism with AI
BlinkLab is developing AI-powered, smartphone-based healthcare technology designed to support clinicians in the assessment of autism.
BlinkLab's mission
Autism evaluations depend heavily on clinical observation, which is inherently subjective and leads to variability across clinicians and sites.
BlinkLab is changing that by introducing an AI-powered, smartphone-based diagnostic tool with objective, reflex-based measures that reduce reliance on observation-based assessment alone. With this diagnostic aid, designed for comfortable at-home use, specialists can identify autism much earlier and more accurately.
Join our study today!
Why is early assessment and intervention important?
Early intervention can be critical to achieving the best outcomes for those experiencing neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
In the United States, leading medical bodies recommend early developmental screening so that families can access further evaluation, guidance, and support sooner.
A global challenge
Approximately 1 in 44 children is identified to be experiencing autism, and it is observed across populations.
More efficient and effective diagnoses are needed
Assessments take place through a combination of lengthy observations and evaluations, which can cause delays for both families and healthcare systems.
Early intervention works
Early intervention helps improve developmental outcomes in many children experiencing autism, including language, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
How is BlinkLab seeking to improve assessments?
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, you're not alone.
BlinkLab is building an AI-powered mobile app that can support early autism detection, improving the diagnosis process by making it:
Accessible and at-home
Our smartphone-based approach is designed to help families get early indicators without the stress of traditional testing.
Efficient and cost-effective
With a scalable, digital approach to assessments, we hope to reduce costs and bottlenecks in the diagnostic process and in healthcare systems.
How does it work?
Our app is designed to identify early signs of autism in young children using your smartphone. During this simple at-home experience, we observe your child's natural reactions to specific audio cues while watching three short, engaging videos. We will guide you through the four easy steps.
Intake
Our team will be in touch with you to walk you through the process and make sure you're all set up. They will show you around the app and ask you a few questions regarding your child’s autism journey.
Download our app
Our team will make sure you have access to our app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.
Your child watches 3 child-friendly videos
Once logged in, your child will watch a video that is tailored to be fun and engaging. During these videos, brief audio cues will be played that elicit natural responses. Our app can record these responses.
Receive $200 as a thank you
As a token of appreciation for your time and involvement, receive a $200 gift card.
What parents say about the BlinkLab process
We asked families who have participated in our research about their experience with a BlinkLab assessment. Read what they had to say.
Participating in the study was a truly positive experience for our family. My son not only enjoyed the activities, they sparked his curiosity and made him feel confident and engaged. It was wonderful to see him so interested and comfortable. The BlinkLab team was incredibly supportive and patient, and we’re grateful to be part of something that helps children better understand themselves.
My son and I had a wonderful experience working with BlinkLab. Communication is great and everyone is incredibly helpful! My son had fun completing the tasks on the app as well! Would definitely recommend.
The BlinkLab app was so easy to use. Before we began, I thought my son might be too young or not interested enough to participate, but he loved it!
The app was a great idea because it takes so long to schedule in-person assessments. Once this is all validated I cant wait to try something like this. Videos adorable, app easy to use
Frequently asked questions
We understand you might have questions about BlinkLab's tool and the assessment process.
We've listed some common ones here and would be happy to address yours personally if you would like to reach out to our team.
Can your test be used to diagnose autism?
Our diagnostic tool for autism is currently going through the required regulatory approval pathways to be validated for use. Our goal is to develop a tool that will assist clinicians in diagnostic evaluations for autism, and more information on this process will be available throughout 2026.
How long will participation in the study take?
The assessment will take about 20 to 30 minutes, during which your child will watch three videos, each lasting 5–10 minutes. The setup and intake process will take an additional 20 minutes or less. In total, we ask for about an hour of your time.
Will this study be stressful for my child?
During the test, unexpected sounds are played to elicit natural reflexes. These sounds might cause slight discomfort or mild stress. However, the test is at home, includes engaging children's videos, and is quick to complete, ensuring minimal disruption for your child.
Do I need any special equipment for the study?
Yes, you will need access to an Apple iOS device and have the BlinkLab app downloaded from the App Store. We will help you download the app and set it up. We will also make sure you receive a phone stand and headphones that meet our research requirements.
What happens to the data collected during the study?
We take privacy very seriously. All information about you and your child is managed in full compliance with patient data regulations such as HIPAA. Any data generated from the test is anonymized before being incorporated into our research data, ensuring that no personally identifiable information is ever shared.
Is my child's data kept confidential?
Yes, your child’s data is kept strictly confidential. We prioritize privacy and security by encrypting all collected data and storing it securely to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, we anonymize participant data, separating it from personal identifiers such as names and dates of birth, which ensures that it cannot be traced back to any child that participates. The data is used solely to provide insights and improve our research, and it is never shared, sold, or used for any other purposes. You retain full control over your child’s data, with options to review, download, or delete it at any time.
How will I receive my $200?
After completing the test, a $200 gift card will be sent to you via email.