Enhancing early detection of autism spectrum disorder through ensemble-based machine learning classifiers

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability characterized by significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Machine learning is a practical approach for autism detection. The proposed ensemble-based machine learning classifier methodology presented in this study seeks to revolutionize the diagnosis of ASD by harnessing the collective power of various machine learning algorithms. This ensemble approach is designed to enhance diagnostic precision, mitigate the subjectivity associated with traditional diagnostic methods, and accelerate the detection process. This methodology addresses the urgent need for early and accurate ASD identification, enabling timely interventions. Leveraging complex data analysis, it offers deeper diagnostic insights, facilitating informed clinical decisions and advancing ASD research. The methodology's accessibility across healthcare settings marks a significant step forward in making early ASD detection more universally available, showcasing the transformative potential of machine learning in healthcare. In deploying the “ensemble-based machine learning classifier” for ASD diagnosis, this study utilizes an extensive dataset comprising behavioral and medical profiles from diverse demographics, including toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults with ASD. Upon the preliminary analysis, the dataset enables the methodology to learn from a wide array of ASD manifestations, ensuring its robustness and applicability across different age groups and severity levels.