Rabia Rao: AI-Enhanced Early Autism Screening: Reducing Diagnostic Disparities for Māori Tamariki

<p dir="ltr">This image illustrates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform autism diagnosis—reducing the journey from years of waiting to minutes of hope. On the left, the dark pathway represents the current reality, where families may wait 6–7 years and travel long distances (e.g., 445 km) to reach a specialist, delaying essential support. On the right, the bright, connected pathway symbolizes an AI-enabled future where early screening is possible from as early as 18 months. The smartphone at the center signifies the integration of AI into accessible, digital screening tools designed to support Māori tamariki and their whānau. The glowing AI puzzle piece represents the technological breakthrough solving the autism diagnosis challenge, while the network of people reflects equitable, community-based access to care. Together, the image captures the transformative potential of Autism AI in delivering timely, culturally responsive early identification and intervention.</p>