Scientists Detect Intriguing Differences in The Eyes of Children With Autism And ADHD - ScienceAlert

When it comes to neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), the earlier and more accurate the diagnosis the better – it means more time for treatment and symptom management, and often a diagnosis provides people with a far better understanding of themselves.

"ASD and ADHD are the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in childhood," says research optometrist Paul Constable, from Flinders University in Australia.

"Retinal signals have specific nerves that generate them, so if we can identify these differences and localize them to specific pathways that use different chemical signals that are also used in the brain, then we can show distinct differences for children with ADHD and ASD and potentially other neurodevelopmental conditions," says Constable.

Further research is now going to be required to establish exactly how retinal signals differ in people with ADHD and ASD, compared with those without these conditions.