UCLA Health researchers are developing a new wearable technology to detect early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental conditions in infants. The study, supported by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), aims to identify subtle motor and behavioral differences that often go unnoticed in the first year of life.
The wearable device, which includes sensors to monitor movement and vocalizations, is designed to be used in natural home environments. According to the UCLA Health press release dated April 23, 2026, the technology could help clinicians intervene earlier, potentially improving outcomes for children with ASD. The research team, led by Dr. Shafali Spurling Jeste, plans to enroll 200 infants at high familial risk for autism.
Early detection of autism is challenging because symptoms typically become apparent around age 2. The wearable aims to capture data on motor skills, such as head lag or asymmetrical crawling, and social communication cues like babbling patterns. The grant runs from 2026 to 2031, with initial results expected within three years.