Integrating explainable AI with machine learning for reliable autism spectrum disorder diagnosis
摘要
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that impacts communication, behavior, and social interaction, affecting individuals across all age groups. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective intervention, typically involving behavioral assessments, genetic testing, and developmental screening. However, the process is often time-consuming and subjective, highlighting the need for automated and objective diagnostic tools. This research explores the integration of Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) with Machine Learning (ML) models to enhance the accuracy and interpretability of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Utilizing a diverse dataset comprising 20 attributes and 2,942 patients across different age groups, including toddlers, children, and adults, we applied several Machine Learning algorithms, including Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Trees (DT), Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost). Extreme Gradient Boosting demonstrated the highest accuracy at 99.05%. Additionally, we employed Explainable AI methods like Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to provide transparency and deeper insights into the model’s predictions. This framework not only offers reliable, high-accuracy ASD diagnosis but also ensures model interpretability, making it a valuable tool for clinical use and early intervention.