Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories is working to produce an autism detection device based on a prototype developed at WSU.
Dr. Georgina Lynch invented and started developing the device while working at WSU’s College of Medicine in Spokane. Work on the device initially started in 2016 when Lynch created the Integrative Brain Function and Neurodevelopment Lab at the college.
“It can mean the difference between a child acquiring verbal speech or remaining nonverbal,” Lynch said in an announcement. “With the average diagnosis age at 49 months, this technology could lower that age due to its objectivity, giving children up to two extra years of crucial intervention.”
SEL bought the technology as intellectual property in 2024. Lynch said she left her associate professor position at WSU’s College of Medicine to work at SEL as a principal scientist so she could continue to work on the device. She will still hold an affiliate status at the College of Medicine to support ongoing research.
SEL is creating a new medical devices team that Lynch will lead. This is the first time SEL is venturing into the medical technology field. SEL primarily creates devices for electric power systems.
At the moment the device is being suited to comply with Food and Drug Administration regulatory and compliance requirements.
“It makes screening for autism as simple as taking pictures,” company founder Edmund Schweitzer said in the SEL news announcement. “So many families, including mine, are impacted by autism.”
SEL’s work on the technology comes as Schweitzer is stepping down from his role as president of the company. The CEO of the company Dave Whitehead will take over the presidential role.
Joshua • Feb 3, 2025 at 9:14 am
We are aware that non-verbal episodes are different that long term, yes? Having a few people in my life that does this when overwhelmed would indicate that it is relatively common and unrelated to the ‘ability of’ or age learned to speak.