Sensitivity and specificity of pupillary light reflex measures for ASD using monocular pupillometry

Abstract

Introduction: Automated hand-held pupillometry demonstrates precision accuracy, offering promise for augmenting ASD screening. Methods: Monocular pupillometry was examined in children and adolescents (36 ASD; 24 TD). Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analysis assessed PLR metrics and diagnostic status. Results: Constriction time (Ct1) (ASD: M = 0.69, SD = 0.21; TD: M = 0.82, SD = 0.18; t(58 = 2.37; p = 0.02) and return to baseline (RTB T75) (ASD: M = 2.93, SD = 1.21; TD: M = 2.32, SD = 1.08; t(58) = − 2.03; p = 0.04) predicted ASD (β = − 1.31, OR = 0.27; RTB T75, β = 0.156, OR = 1.162). Sensitivity = 74.8%, when RTB ≥ 1.83 s and 69.4% when Ct1 = 0.785 s. Conclusion: Findings suggest monocular pupillometry captures differences detecting ASD.