SensPD: Early Diagnosis of Autism

Project Information

SensPD

Grant agreement ID: 816108

DOI

10.3030/816108

Project closed

EC signature date 7 May 2018

Start date 1 June 2018

End date 30 November 2018

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

SENS P.D. LTD
Israel

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - SensPD (SensPD: Early Diagnosis of Autism)

Reporting period: 2018-06-01 to 2018-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

SensPD develops a method and device to objectively detect autism at a very early developmental stage based on a physiological marker.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that causes significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. 1:59 babies, or ~2%, will be diagnosed later in life with ASD. One of the most difficult challenges is accurate and timely diagnosis; today subjective diagnosis is starts around the age of two, where an important window of opportunities may be missed. Objective early detection will enable early interventions (starting at six months) that lead to dramatic improvement in social skills allowing for better social integration. Instead of investing in "maintenance" resources could be channeled into prevention, education and training for independent living.
A consensus issue regarding autism involves sensory perception. SensPD uses Oto-Acoustic-Emission (OAE) devices used today to screen for hearing issues. SensPD extends the regular OAE device abilities with unique stimulus program and longer, more complex signals to go beyond the sense of hearing and measure the sensory perception performance system and thus detect autism.
SensPD Phase 1 objectives are: feasibility analysis of the data collected, review major OAE manufacturers, show progress in patents approval, establish a clear go-to-market plan with economic viability.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

SensPD conducted a small scale preliminary independent testing of ASD and typically developed adults. The analysis showed a clear difference between the two groups. Based on the analysis an official study was built, enrolling 150 participants, ages 1.5 - 5 years old, with a leading Israeli Medical Center starting December 2018. A clinical OAE device was selected and modified to meet SensPD's unique needs. The company's first patent status is now in national phase in Europe and US, the second patent was submitted for PCT application and a new patent is in provisional stage. A financial plan was built with a clear go-to-market plan based on the clinical study progress.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The expected outcome of the project is to complete a thorough analysis of the company allowing a faster and better progress in commercialization. SensPD's objective, model based, easy to administer, cost and time effective method and device will revolutionize the way autism is detected. Our vision is to screen all newborns and change the lives of millions worldwide.

OAE Newborn Test