Eye-Tracking Biomarkers

Prior work in high-income countries indicates that eye-tracking markers can distinguish young children with autism and assay relevant neurocognitive processes. Eye movements and pupil diameter will be measured with an SR Research EyeLink Portable Duo remote eye-tracking system at 500 Hz. Pupillary light reflex is presented as an autism-relevant marker associated with acetylcholine and later diagnosis or symptom severity in prior studies. The Alama eye-tracking battery uses culturally appropriate images and videos adapted from earlier paradigms. The study uses eye tracking because it is described as non-invasive, relatively low-cost, scalable, and potentially feasible in resource-constrained settings. The eye-tracking battery will examine social attention, non-social attention, neuromodulator-related function, and basic oculomotor metrics.