Alumni

“My invention is now used across the MENA region and is helping children have access to early intervention. Without SOS, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream of solving the issue of misdiagnosing neurodevelopmental delays, and for that, I will always be grateful!”

Project & Impact

Dr. Noraldin Al-Deri has developed the Infant Intellectual Auto Classifier, a diagnostic tool designed to assess a child's intellectual capabilities and autism from as early as four months to 3 years old. This innovative tool helps identify intellectual disabilities in non-verbal infants and children at an early stage, preventing misdiagnosis that often results in unnecessary stress, costs, and traumatic experiences. It functions by collecting behavioral and physiological data from children, such as heart rate, eye movement, and facial reactions, as they watch an animated video with purposeful stimuli. The tool's algorithm uses this data to determine the child's possible intellectual ability range, aiding parents and physicians in accurate diagnosis. Unlike other algorithms, Al-Deri's does not discriminate against children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, non-verbal, or sensory issues and differentiates between neurodevelopmental and intellectual disabilities. The tool requires only 6.5 minutes for diagnosis, doesn't necessitate child interaction, and is inclusive of all cultures and languages. For his invention, Al-Deri won second place in the Stars of Science program's fourteenth season as the best Arab innovator.

The Aftermath of SoS

Shortly after he won 2^nd place on Stars of Science program, Dr. Al-Deri has emerged as a pioneering force in the field of neurodevelopment, merging AI technology, biomedical science, and clinical innovation. He founded EICADD centers, the first early intervention centers in the MENA region powered by artificial intelligence for early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities. Dr. Noraldin opened four centers across the Arab region in Jordan and UAE, and Saudi Arabia. His centers are currently supervising nearly 5,000 children, providing precision health analysis and advanced therapy solutions. Using his invention, Noraldin is enabling parents to intervene and provide the needed treatment for their children as early as possible. Dr. Al-Deri’s work focuses on cutting-edge technologies for neuroplasticity therapy, assessment, and intervention, many of which are invented and developed by him and his team. His centers are among the first to utilize AI-powered tools for brain and behavioral rehabilitation, and he is currently pursuing additional patents for these breakthroughs.

He’s is currently working on other inventions that will help in assessing and treating children with autism and intellectual disabilities. Noraldin founded a non-for-profit organization “Camelia’s Organization for the Well-being of children, women and youth” aimed to help families with children with disabilities, provide easier access to medical help for children with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and train future professionals in the field of early intervention. Noraldin is starting a second doctorate in the field of leadership with a focus on communities and governments to learn how to better develop health and development programs in the MENA region. Dr. Noraldin Al-Deri is also a multiple award-winning scientist and innovator, recognized as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in Science and Technology.