Early Intervention: OT Researcher Innovates with AI for Infant Developmental Health
Teresa Fair-Field, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor University, leads an NIH-funded initiative to pioneer a smartphone-based developmental screener. This innovative app aims to detect critical motor markers in infants' first year, aiding families in early identification of developmental risks.
At Baylor University, Teresa Fair-Field, OTD, OTR/L, Clinical Assistant Professor, is revolutionizing early developmental healthcare. Part of an NIH-funded team, she's developing a groundbreaking smartphone app, Emma Baby, poised to identify developmental risks in infants. This app aims to bring expert-level detection into the hands of parents, particularly benefiting underserved communities.
Revolutionizing Detection with Technology
The Emma Baby app utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze infant movements. Parents can record and upload a short video of their infant, which the app uses to compare the videotaped movements against established developmental markers, providing early warnings of potential delays.
The app not only flags potential issues but also explains the findings. The app's future includes a library of developmental activities and telehealth consultations, transforming parental involvement in early intervention.
Empowerment Through Early Detection
Fair-Field emphasizes the importance of empowering parents with knowledge and tools to support their child's early development. This aligns with the core premise of early intervention–equipping families to be active participants in their child's growth.
Interested OTD students are invited to join this pioneering project as part of their doctoral capstone. For more details, contact Dr. Fair-Field at Teresa_Fair-Field@baylor.edu. Learn more about the project at earlymarkers.com.