Latest news with #earlyintervention
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Game-changing dyslexia screening tool tested in Irish schools
'Every year, thousands of children enter school with undetected literacy needs. Under today's system, it can take up to five years for a child to receive a diagnosis of dyslexia . By then, they have already struggled, disengaged, and fallen behind,' says Joe Fernandez, founder of Early Intervention Tools, which has created a screening method that picks up signs of early literacy problems in four- to six-year-olds. Fernandez says no teacher wants a child to struggle, but the logistics of the current dyslexia screening process – which is individual, manual and takes around 40 minutes per child – pose real challenges for schools. Parents can opt to have a child assessed privately, and an estimated 80 per cent of diagnoses are made this way. However, it costs around €900, which puts it beyond the reach of many families. 'We are ending the 'wait to fail' model in education and solving the early literacy problem by making risk visible earlier, action more timely and support more equitable,' says Fernandez, who understands what it's like to find education difficult because his own dyslexia went undiagnosed. That said, he did not let it stand in his way and has spent the past 20 years in education, publishing and digital innovation with previous start-up experience, a stint as commercial manager for digital solutions with educational resources company Folens, and five years as a senior industry adviser in edtech and publishing with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development. Early Intervention Tools was established in mid-2023. The company is a Trinity College spin-out and came into being because the university wanted to see if the results of a research project carried out jointly with the Marino Institute of Education and Learnovate (the learning research innovation centre), had commercial potential. The project had produced some IP which Fernandez licensed, and the company then embarked on a development phase to build out and scale its technology stack. A group of schools signed up for an initial pilot and, having seen how the system could transform assessments that had taken days into hours, they quickly converted to paying customers. Since then, sign-ups have gathered momentum largely by word of mouth and through webinars. [ Dyslexia at second level: We need to do more to support students Opens in new window ] 'Teachers had chosen not to engage with the assessment process not because they didn't want to, but because they didn't have the bandwidth. It quickly became apparent that we had cracked the problem without adding to the teacher workload,' Fernandez says. 'The research had exposed a critical flaw in how early literacy and dyslexia risk are addressed. In short, too late, too manually and too inconsistently,' he adds. 'Our system, which is called Alpaca (Assessing Letter and Phonemic Awareness Class Assistant), was designed to fix this by using AI to capture difficulty signals at scale. Alpaca is not a test. It's an AI-enabled decision-support tool that is inclusive, universal and offers real-time diagnosis and intervention tracking.' In practice, Alpaca works like a normal screen-based game. Children (wearing headphones) play the game with Archie the alpaca without even knowing they're being assessed. Each child plays on their own. The system can screen six children in 20 minutes and provide an instant insight into their functional reading ability. The idea is that schools will use Alpaca to screen pupils three times a year in the first two years of their formal education. Dashboards show teachers what's working, for whom and where they need to intervene. 'What makes Alpaca different is not just its speed; it's the system it transforms while integrating seamlessly into existing classroom routines,' Fernandez says. 'Models analyse early learning data to flag children on a probable pathway to dyslexia, and longitudinal tracking enables schools to monitor growth, not just capture a snapshot. 'We provide parental and psychologist pathways to guide affordable, structured follow-up while teacher CPD [continuing professional development] in this area is automatically aligned to class needs and educators have hard evidence with which to inform educational policy.' Primary schools (internationally) are the company's sweet spot, and in 2023/2024 the system was used to screen 25,000 children in pilots in six countries. This year, the company is hoping to screen 30,000 junior and senior infants across Ireland. Alpaca is fully web-based and sold to schools on a SaaS basis. The system will travel with appropriate customisation for language, culture and curriculum and Ireland, Britain and the UAE are the markets most in the company's sights for now. Later this year, it will launch a funding round of €1.5 million to support key hires, new product development and trials in the UK and UAE. The company is also working on a stand-alone diagnostic and support B2C product for parents. It has taken around €500,000 to bring the company to its current stage of development between commercialisation funding from Enterprise Ireland, founder capital and grants. Support of various sorts for the venture has also been provided by Dublin Local Enterprise Office, NovaUCD, WestBIC and UCD's CeADAR centre for AI. 'Our vision is to be the trusted leader in early intervention, diagnosis and support for children with dyslexia, bridging the gap between early identification and formal diagnosis,' Fernandez says. 'By 2028, we aim to screen one million children worldwide each year, powering smarter schools, supporting better-trained teachers and giving families earlier answers, faster action and more hope. We are building a world where no child waits to fail, no parent fights for help, teachers lead with insight, not intuition, and policy is built on data, not delay.'
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Impact Of Swift Autism Intervention
When children receive early autism evaluations and consistent access to effective therapies, their ability to adapt and thrive improves dramatically. Autism. It's a word many of us know, with 1 in 36 children in the U.S. diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A diagnosis can reshape a family's world, bringing challenges and uncertainty. But there is hope. When children receive early evaluations and consistent access to effective therapies, their ability to adapt and thrive improves dramatically, making a lasting difference in their futures. Catching the Clues: Why Early Detection and Intervention Matter Children typically begin to show signs of autism at 18 months old. This age is right in the middle of what is referred to as the 'sponge years,' due to the brain's incredible capacity to absorb information and rapidly form new neural connections during the first 3 years of life. When a child has ASD, their brain goes about making these connections differently, but they are no less crucial. If a connection is missed, think of it like trying to climb a ladder with a missing rung; it's incredibly difficult to climb higher. This is why quickly accessing therapy that will empower these children's development is so critical. It allows children with ASD to go back and make any missed connections, and moving forward, therapists work with children to help make needed connections in a way that works for their brains. Early Signs To Look for in Young Children Unfortunately, there is no medical test for ASD—it is only diagnosed based on observing a child's development and behavior. This means there is often room for interpretation and misdiagnosis. However, when signs are caught early, a child can, in theory, be quickly evaluated and begin receiving the life-changing intervention. Every child is unique, and that also applies to how signs of autism can differ between individuals. However, there are common symptoms that characterize ASD, including social challenges and differences in how a child may process emotions and sensory experiences. Lost Time Often Equals Lost Potential It's widely proven that when children with ASD have early access to therapy, they are more likely to develop skills that, in the long term, will ensure that they have a better quality of life and can live more independently. Despite the importance of early intervention, many families face significant challenges in having their child assessed and enrolled in therapy. Insurance requirements often necessitate a lengthy referral process, which skeptical practitioners or long waitlists can further delay. In states like mine, Utah, the average wait time for a child to be evaluated by a psychologist is approximately 18 months due to the high volume of children needing assessment. Nationally, the average exceeds two years, with some families waiting up to three years. These extended wait times alone could cause a child to miss out entirely on the benefits of intervention during the sponge years. In addition, wait times can be even longer when there are fewer providers in the state than the national average. This is also an issue in the state of Utah. There are simply not enough psychologists, child neurologists, and psychiatrists to provide the services needed for diagnosis. And once a diagnosis is obtained, additional delays often occur before a child can access therapy. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is the gold standard for treating ASD. Board-Certified Behavioral Analysts (BCBA) play an integral role in supporting children. Still, there is also a shortage of analysts due to increasing rates of ASD diagnosis and high demand for ABA services. According to a report from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the nationwide demand for BCBAs is greater than ever, with a 58% increase from 2023 to 2024. While it is crucial that these children eventually receive the help they need, the sooner they begin therapy, the more effectively their young brains can develop and solidify critical connections. Every Moment Counts in Creating Lasting Impact Without timely assessment and targeted therapy, children with autism can face an array of challenges that will follow them into adulthood. While they vary widely, they often include anxiety, difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, and communication barriers. Consequently, these difficulties can impact a person's ability to secure and maintain employment or live independently. Yes, every child deserves their best childhood; they also should have the opportunity to become a thriving member of the community. By denying them prompt access to evaluation and effective therapy, we limit their potential to become our future coworkers, pastors, teachers, fellow volunteers, or whoever they desire to be. In a world that loves checked boxes, black or white, and yes or no answers, ASD can be incredibly frustrating. It is diagnosed on a spectrum that exhibits uniquely in each child, and every therapy plan must be precisely tailored to meet the child's specific needs. To top it off, therapy must be closely monitored and adjusted while progress is slow. There is no 'miracle' moment or flashy 'before and after' that can come with another diagnosis that fits neatly into the binary way of thinking we are accustomed to. Because of this, it can be easy to forget that we must continue to advocate for expanded resources. When we do, children will have greater access to desperately needed resources. When they begin to exhibit those early signs of autism, we can ensure they are evaluated quickly and get access to targeted and consistent therapy as soon as possible. By doing so, we provide children with autism their best chance at a successful future. Early and targeted intervention is not just about improving the quality of life for these children; it is about recognizing their potential and giving them the tools they need to become integral members of our communities. Expanding access is crucial to building a more inclusive and supportive society for all.
Medscape
16-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Fact or Fiction: Cervical Cancer
Emerging research stresses the value of early intervention and improved screening strategies for cervical cancer to reduce incidence and mortality. Innovations such as high-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) testing, self-sampling for HPV, and molecular triage tools have the potential to increase early detection — especially in populations with historically low screening rates. Simultaneously, advances in imaging, radiotherapy, and minimally invasive surgery are refining treatment approaches. Clinicians are increasingly called to balance oncologic outcomes with considerations of fertility preservation, psychosocial well-being, and quality of life, especially in younger patients. Current guidelines recommend that cervical cancer screening begin at age 21 years, regardless of when an individual becomes sexually active. For individuals aged 21-29, Pap testing (cytology) alone every 3 years is the standard. HPV testing is not typically used in this age group because transient HPV infections are common and often clear without intervention, making early HPV testing potentially misleading or anxiety-inducing. Beginning at age 30, screening options broaden to include HPV testing alone, co-testing (Pap + HPV), or cytology alone, depending on patient and provider preference and resource availability. Learn more about screening for cervical cancer. While persistent infection with high-risk HPV types — especially HPV 16 and 18 — is the primary cause of cervical cancer, the majority of HPV infections are temporary and are cleared naturally by the immune system within a few years. In fact, while the majority of sexually active individuals will acquire HPV at some point, only a small percentage develop precancerous changes or cervical cancer. Progression to cancer typically occurs over many years, and only persistent infection with high-risk types leads to high-grade dysplasia or malignancy. This is why screening and vaccination are both essential: Screening detects persistent infection or cellular changes early, while vaccination reduces the risk of acquiring high-risk HPV types in the first place. Learn more about the pathophysiology of cervical cancer. In cases of locally advanced cervical cancer, specifically stages IB3, II, III, and IVA, the standard of care is concurrent chemoradiation, not surgery. This approach combines external beam radiation therapy with chemotherapy — most commonly cisplatin — to enhance tumor response and reduce recurrence. Studies have shown that surgery in these stages does not improve survival and may even increase morbidity when combined with radiation therapy, while chemoradiation is highly effective in treating the primary tumor and locally advanced disease. Learn more about management considerations. Although HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk for cervical cancer, it does not eliminate the need for regular screening. The current vaccines protect against the most common high-risk types — especially HPV 16 and 18 — but not all oncogenic strains. Furthermore, some individuals may already have been exposed to HPV before vaccination or may not have completed the full vaccine series. Cervical cancer screening remains essential because it detects precancerous changes and early-stage cancers, including those caused by HPV types not covered by the vaccine. Continued screening ensures that individuals, whether vaccinated or not, receive timely diagnosis and treatment. National guidelines recommend maintaining routine Pap and/or HPV testing regardless of vaccination status. Learn more about the clinical presentation of cervical cancer. For individuals aged 30-65, molecular testing for high-risk HPV types is now preferred by the American Cancer Society and is also recommended along with cytology by the USPSTF. HPV testing is more sensitive than cytology in detecting high-grade cervical lesions, although it has slightly lower specificity. Testing can be done alone or in combination with cytology (co-testing), with intervals typically ranging from 3 to 5 years. The move toward molecular testing reflects a shift in understanding of cervical carcinogenesis, where persistent HPV infection is the key driver. Incorporating HPV testing improves early detection and may help reduce cervical cancer incidence in the long term. However, follow-up strategies must be carefully tailored to reduce false positives and unnecessary interventions. Learn more about the workup for cervical cancer.
Globe and Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
The Future of Healthcare is Preventive – And Powered by AI
"'Artificial intelligence gives us the power to see what the human eye alone cannot—and to act before the cost of inaction becomes irreversible. This is not about replacing clinicians; it's about unlocking a future where early diagnosis is the norm, not the exception. If we can shift the diagnostic window forward by days or even hours, we can rewrite the trajectory of patient care.'" Executive leaders look to scalable, imaging-driven diagnostics to accelerate early intervention and reduce system strain As health systems navigate rising patient demand, aging populations, and unsustainable care costs, executive focus is shifting from reactive treatment to preventive intelligence. At the center of this shift is artificial intelligence—specifically, platforms designed to detect diseases before symptoms emerge. One of the most promising applications is in diagnostic imaging, where AI can now analyze radiological data in real time, uncover subtle signs of disease, and support clinical decisions long before traditional workflows would trigger escalation. Hugo Raposo, a Canadian digital health strategist and former Chief Architect of a provincial modernization initiative, is among the thought leaders spearheading this evolution. 'We can't afford a future where detection starts only after symptoms appear,' Raposo said. 'AI makes it possible to reorient our entire clinical model around early warning—moving us from system overload to system foresight.' Executive Pressure: Why Preventive Diagnostics is a Strategic Imperative In both Canada and the United States, wait times for imaging continue to rise, specialist access remains uneven, and late-stage diagnoses are driving up costs. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, non-urgent MRI waits in some provinces now exceed 90 days. What's emerging is a new class of AI platforms designed not just for efficiency, but for proactive risk detection across imaging modalities—from chest X-rays to brain MRIs and retinal scans. These tools serve as always-on, pattern-seeking copilots that help: Executives are now exploring how such tools can become core to digital health strategy, not just clinical augmentation. Hugo Raposo's Vision: Scalable, Ethical AI for System-Wide Preventive Impact Raposo's platform—currently deployed across hospital and community clinics in Ontario—focuses on turning diagnostic imaging into a predictive capability. It is built to integrate with existing PACS/EHR environments and works both in urban health networks and bandwidth-limited rural regions. Key attributes include: Importantly, Raposo frames this not as an IT solution, but as a strategic enabler of access, quality, and sustainability. 'The ROI is no longer just about efficiency. It's about reducing emergency interventions, preventing chronic progression, and giving leadership the levers to shift from volume to value,' he said. More on Hugo Raposo From Boardroom to Bedside: Aligning with National and Global Priorities Global policymakers are already signaling the importance of diagnostic AI. The U.S. HHS AI Strategy, CMS value-based care models, and WHO's AI ethics guidance all emphasize the need to deploy AI responsibly across care ecosystems. Raposo's work aligns directly with these goals: For CIOs and health CEOs, this represents a new decision point: not whether to adopt AI—but how to align it with enterprise risk, public health readiness, and long-term clinical quality. What's Ahead: Predictive Imaging as a Platform Strategy Beyond static interpretation, Raposo is working to integrate imaging data with lab results, pathology, and even ambient documentation. The goal: to create a multimodal, longitudinal diagnostic layer that can inform triage, treatment planning, and population health simultaneously. Upcoming capabilities include: 'Imaging isn't just diagnostic—it's becoming foundational infrastructure for predictive care,' Raposo emphasized. 'In five years, AI won't be a feature—it will be a precondition for delivering safe, timely, and cost-effective healthcare.' LinkedIn:
Khaleej Times
04-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Early screening can cut therapy costs for neurodivergent children by 80%, experts say
When Dubai student Hoor arrived at special education school Sanad Village, she could not speak, respond, or make eye contact with her peers or adults. Now, after three-and-a-half years, the five-year-old will enter a mainstream school as a kindergarten student where she hopes to continue building on her love for music, dancing, and storytelling. Including her and her peers, Mayed and Omar, the institute has successfully re-integrated almost 60 students into mainstream schools. According to an expert, these stories are proof that early intervention could help neurodivergent children adapt well to the world around them. 'It helps the student to build those core skills that they require in order for them to become independent faster in their life,' said Mahmoud A. Mahmoud, Regional Clinical Director at Sanad Village. 'It opens up the door for learning more complicated skills like reading and writing and attending a school.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. He added that proper early support reduces the need for prolonged therapy in the long run — by as much as 80 percent in cost savings for families. It also opens up future employment opportunities, helping people of determination contribute meaningfully to society and the economy. Early indicators Gayatri Govind Gajjam, clinical psychologist at the newly launched Aster DYU Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, said that learning disabilities often begin to show signs 'in early childhood, typically before the age of seven,' and they should be dealt with immediately. 'These early indicators are crucial as they provide an opportunity for timely intervention and support,' she said. 'Understanding these signs through a psychological lens helps in guiding children toward a more positive educational experience, offering them the resources they need to thrive academically.' She said that these difficulties were often unrelated to a child's intelligence and were an inability 'to process information, such as language, numbers, or spatial reasoning' in specific ways. The screening process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation to detect early signs and assess a child's cognitive, academic, emotional, and social development. 'We speak to teachers who provide valuable input regarding the child's academic performance and behavior and conduct a thorough review of the child's early development, family history, and any relevant medical background,' she said. 'We then use various cognitive and academic tests to assess specific areas of development.' Informed decisions According to Mahmoud, every child that they see is dealt with in an appropriate manner. 'For example, in the case of one of our children, Omar, the parents thought that he needed to be removed from a mainstream school and sent to Sanad,' he said. 'After we met him, we agreed with the parents. However, many times, the parents think that the child should go to a centre, but actually he should be staying at school or the other way around. So, we make informed decisions on a case by case basis.' He added that Sanad was not a diagnostic centre and only focused on therapeutic help instead. Gayatri gave the case study of a six-year-old, who was flagged by school during a routine screening for struggling with letter recognition. 'After a formal psychological evaluation, the child was diagnosed with dyslexia,' she said. 'With targeted interventions, including phonics-based instruction, the child showed significant improvement in reading fluency and classroom participation within six months.' Empowering the child One of the biggest challenges that practitioners in the region struggle with is stigma and fear. 'Many parents hesitate to screen their children due to fear of labelling,' said Gayatri. 'There is often a misconception that learning disabilities reflect low intelligence or permanent limitations. To address these concerns, we emphasise that early identification is about empowering the child with the necessary tools and support to succeed.' Mahmoud added that many parents he meets are in denial. 'We ask them to take the professional opinions, from any of the children's hospitals that has the capacity to diagnose the kids,' he said. 'They are trained on how to inform the parents, because it's very heavy news. From our side, we work with behaviours and what the child is lacking.'
