Enhancing Diagnosis and Intervention in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Eye Tracking as an Auxiliary Tool for Identification and a Predictor of Therapeutic Response

• Grant number: 25/03150-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Graccielle Rodrigues da Cunha Asevedo
• Grantee: Graccielle Rodrigues da Cunha Asevedo
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated researchers: Ana Carina Tamanaha ; Ana Riva Baggio Saitovitch ; Cristiane Silvestre de Paula ; Daniela Bordini ; Jacy Perissinoto ; João Ricardo Sato ; Leila Felippe Bagaiolo ; Monica Zilbovicius ; Natalia Freitas Rossi

Abstract

This project aims to improve the diagnosis and intervention strategies for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a population that has historically been underrepresented in scientific research and specialized services. The assessment of ASD in adulthood presents significant challenges, including the absence of reliable biomarkers, difficulties in obtaining retrospective data, and the masking of symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that eye-tracking technology is a promising tool for measuring social visual engagement and assisting in ASD diagnosis among adults. In this context, the present study has two main objectives: (1) to validate the use of eye-tracking measures as an auxiliary biomarker for ASD diagnosis in adults and (2) to evaluate the effectiveness of a social skills intervention for autistic adults without intellectual disabilities.The project will be structured into two complementary studies. Study 1 will investigate eye-tracking patterns in 300 adults with suspected ASD, recruited from the specialized TEAMM-UNIFESP service. Participants will undergo standardized clinical and neuropsychological assessments, including specific eye-tracking protocols. Study 2 will consist of a quasi-experimental trial with 90 autistic adults diagnosed in Study 1, randomly assigned to either a social skills intervention group or an active control group. The intervention will last 12 weeks and will be assessed through psychometric scales and eye-tracking measures.Expected outcomes of this study include the enhancement of diagnostic assessment for ASD in adulthood and the validation of a social skills intervention protocol, providing scientific evidence to support public policies and improve access to diagnosis and support for this population. (AU)