ATLANTA -- Local researchers are teaming up to develop a five-minute assessment test for autism. The test will help identify infants and toddlers that may be at risk.

The study is being conducted by the Emory Autism Resource Center (EAS) and the Health Systems Institute at Georgia Tech. A pilot test on the Rapid Attention Back and Forth Communication (Rapid ABC) screener is being conducted right now at EAC and Georgia Tech.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends pediatricians screen infants for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during their 18-month and 24-month well baby visits. A typical evaluation to diagnose ASD takes from two to four hours. The goal of this study is to create a technique and method of scoring that will make it easier for pediatricians to assess the risks during a regular checkup.

The Rapid ABC screener is designed for use in the pediatrician's office. It takes about five minutes to complete.

"We know that physicians have limited time to spend with their patients, but we also know that it is extremely important that ASD is detected early," said principal investigator Dr. Opal Ousley of Emory. "In order to get the best results, children with developmental problems should be exposed to an intervention program while they are very young."

The Rapid ABC test includes five activities that initiates gesturing, attention level, body language and eye contact. Research has shown that the lack of gesturing, such as finger pointing, and eye contact can be precursors for ASD.

Once doctors complete the screening, the information is scanned and scored by a special software program. The pediatrician can share the information with parents. Depending on the outcome, the child could be referred for further testing.

"Another advantage of the program is that it doesn't assume continuity of care," said Dr. Rosa Arriaga of Georgia Tech. She is the co-principal investigator of the study. "Research suggests that children diagnosed with ASD may show regression on a variety of behaviors. This could be missed if a child goes to two different pediatricians during this period of time. The Rapid ABC could alert doctors to regression in the context of not only the 18 and 24-month well baby visit, but any time the test is administered during the child's early years."

For more information, log on to emoryhealthsciences.org