5 January 2026 – Perth, Western Australia | BlinkLab Limited (ASX:BB1) today announced that a peer-reviewed scientific paper validating its smartphone-based neurobehavioural assessment technology has been published in Autism Research, one of the most prestigious and widely cited journals in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.
The publication provides independent scientific validation of BlinkLab’s core technology and its novel approach to measuring differences in sensorimotor processing in people with autism. Independent, peer-reviewed endorsement in a leading journal is an important milestone for regulatory engagement and future clinical adoption, particularly for medical technologies intended for use in healthcare settings.
Autism Research is the official journal of the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) and is widely recognised as a leading clinical and translational journal with a strong focus on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism. The journal is ranked in the top quartile (Q1) of its category and has a latest impact factor of 5.6 (updated June 2025). Publication in the journal represents a high level of external scientific endorsement that is highly relevant to regulators, clinicians and healthcare systems.
The paper, titled “Neurobehavioral Assessment of Sensorimotor Function in Autism Using Smartphone Technology”, validates BlinkLab’s technology platform and the objective neurophysiological measures it captures, including facial reflexes, startle responses, eye and eyelid movements, postural stability, and vocal and behavioural responses recorded using a standard smartphone in at-home environments.
The study reports results from a large, multi-centre cohort of 536 children. Conducted in Morocco, the discovery study demonstrates that BlinkLab’s platform can reliably detect distinct sensorimotor profiles associated with autism across multiple domains. Importantly, it does so using objective, reflex-based measures rather than relying solely on subjective clinical observation, which remains the global standard for autism assessment.
The publication focuses on BlinkLab’s technology, data acquisition methods and underlying neurobehavioural measures. A follow-up peer-reviewed paper is now in preparation and will detail BlinkLab’s machine learning models, BlinkLab Dx 1, including their diagnostic and predictive performance. This two-paper approach reflects guidance from the journal’s editors and peer reviewers and is consistent with best practice in high-impact scientific publishing.
BlinkLab’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Myrthe Ottenhoff, stated: “This publication demonstrates the strength of our scientific approach and the clinical relevance of our technology. It shows that our methods are validated through peer-reviewed research and our commitment to improving real-world outcomes for individuals and families affected by autism. In the end, that is what matters most to regulators, clinicians, and most importantly, autistic children and their families.”
The publication materially strengthens BlinkLab’s clinical evidence base and represents an important milestone in the Company’s regulatory strategy, including ongoing engagement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where peer-reviewed validation in leading journals is a key component of medical device evaluation.
The study was conducted by an international consortium of researchers from BlinkLab, Erasmus Medical Center (Netherlands), Princeton University (USA), and multiple academic and clinical institutions worldwide. The full dataset supporting the publication has been made publicly available, reinforcing BlinkLab’s commitment to transparency, scientific rigour and reproducibility.
Professor Abdeslem El Iddrisi, co-corresponding author on the publication, stated: "This work is not just about advancing technology; it is about redefining what is possible when science is guided by purpose, responsibility, and a commitment to improving lives at scale."
Note from BlinkLab’s CEO/MD, Dr Henk-Jan Boele: “First and foremost, we would like to thank all the families and children who participated in this study, as well as the clinical staff at the Foundation Mohammed V for Solidarity, under the governance of His Majesty the King of Morocco, for their outstanding collaboration.
For BlinkLab, this publication represents a major milestone. Following our previous peer-reviewed scientific publication demonstrating the proof of concept for smartphone-based neurometric assessments, our new work shows the applicability of our technology for autism detection. It marks an important achievement and a strong start to 2026 for BB1.
We are also deeply grateful to Princeton University for their support, and to our investors. This study would not have been possible without your continued trust and backing.
Building scientific validation is essential and forms the strongest possible foundation for new technologies like BlinkLab. Advancing into clinical trials without proper peer review and credibility within the scientific and clinical community is a recipe for failure. That’s why we are taking a deliberate, step-by-step approach to market entry: from scientific adoption, to autism specialty centres and primary care settings.
It’s great to see that things go according to plan: scientific validation just prior to the start of our FDA regulatory trial. While the scientific peer-review and publication process can be demanding and time-consuming, it remains the gold standard for validating truly disruptive innovations. This is exactly how we intend to build a lasting impact at BlinkLab.”
About us:
About BlinkLab Limited
BlinkLab Limited is a company founded by neuroscientists at Princeton University and has developed a smartphone-based diagnostic platform for autism and ADHD. Its most advanced product is an autism diagnostic aid for clinicians that leverages smartphones, artificial intelligence and machine learning to support early and accurate detection of autism, enabling early intervention during critical periods of brain development. BlinkLab is led by an experienced management team and Board with deep expertise in digital healthcare, computer vision, AI and machine learning, supported by a Scientific Advisory Board of leading experts in autism and brain development.
Contact details:
Jane Morgan Management
Investor & Media Relations
[email protected]
