The Marketing Minute: Staying Positive When the Market Isn’t
Marcy’s Musings: Continuing to Invent the Future With SEL
It’s Only Common Sense: Why Failure Is an Opportunity for Growth
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories to Produce Medical Device for Autism Detection
January 29, 2025 | Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a global leader in power system protection, automation and control solutions, announced today its expansion into medical devices with the production of a tool for detecting the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder.
Dr. Georgina Lynch recently joined SEL as principal scientist after inventing and leading the development of a prototype while at Washington State University (WSU). Dr. Lynch holds a PhD in neuroscience/psychology and has a background in speech-language pathology and more than 20 years of experience working with children with autism.
“We are excited about Dr. Lynch’s invention, and delighted that we can further its development, pursue approvals and begin production,” said Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, SEL founder and chairman of the board of the Pullman, Washington-based laboratories. “It makes screening for autism as simple as taking pictures. So many families, including mine, are impacted by autism. Georgina’s invention will accelerate earlier diagnosis and treatment.”
SEL has created a medical devices team to pursue this new technology.
“When Dr. Schweitzer first introduced the idea of manufacturing the device to our leadership team, he said, ‘Bringing this invention to the market where it will help so many children and families is important work. We are experts in digital signal processing, sensor technology, manufacturing, compliance, sales, and marketing. So, we should do it!’” recalled Travis Mooney, vice president of Research & Development.
The device, which can detect an atypical pupil light reflex and the likelihood of autism within 24 months of birth, is a handheld tool to be used by clinicians during well-child exams. Earlier indications lead to care at younger ages.
“We know that earlier intervention positively impacts outcomes for children with autism,” said Lynch. “It can mean the difference between a child acquiring verbal speech or remaining nonverbal. With the average diagnosis age at 49 months, this technology could lower that age due to its objectivity, giving children up to two extra years of crucial intervention.”
This innovation aims to expedite the diagnostic process for families, reduce the associated stress, and ultimately improve outcomes for children with autism.
“From the beginning, our hope was to commercialize this technology and make it widely available, and after getting to know Dr. Schweitzer and learning about SEL, I felt it was the best company to do this,” said Lynch.
Dr. Lynch and her team are working through the FDA regulatory and compliance requirements.
“It just feels right, that SEL, itself born from research at Washington State University, now has the honor of bringing this new WSU technology to life,” added Dr. Schweitzer. “Invented by Cougs, developed by Cougs, …and soon to be manufactured, sold, and supported by Cougs.”
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
SEL: Revolutionizing PCB Production Through MES, Partnerships, and Vision
08/21/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Two years ago, we visited Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) to better understand its new captive greenfield PCB facility. We recently returned, this time to discuss how this bold vision has transformed the industry. Barry Matties met with John Hendrickson, engineering director, and Jessi Hall, vice president of vertical integration, to discuss the transformative capabilities of Factory Core, SEL’s custom manufacturing execution system (MES), which allows for real-time monitoring of workflow and machine performance, and has led to impressive improvements in quality and cost efficiency.
Inventing the Future: An Interview with Dr. Ed Schweitzer
08/20/2025 | Barry Matties, I-Connect007Dr. Edmund O. Schweitzer III, founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), has a corner office in the company’s world headquarters in Pullman, Washington. Forty-two years after his SEL-21—the first microprocessor-based digital protective relay—ushered in a new era of power-system protection, he has forever changed the way the world safeguards its electric grids. In this three-hour conversation, Dr. Schweitzer reveals that he remains excited to get to work each day, unpacking the “better, cheaper, faster, simpler” mantra that’s still driving SEL’s innovation, and the culture glue that keeps more than 7,000 employee-owners rowing in unison.
SEL Index of Freedom Highlights Top States for Business and Trade
07/15/2025 | SELSchweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL), a global leader in power system protection, automation and control solutions, has released the 2025 SEL Index of Freedom, an evaluation of the business climate across the 50 U.S. states.
SEL Raises Starting Hourly Wage to $20
04/10/2025 | Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriesSchweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) raised its starting hourly wage for U.S. employees to $20 per hour on April 1.
SEL Begins Its 41st Year with Leadership Changes
01/20/2025 | SELAt a Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Board of Directors meeting, President Ed Schweitzer asked CEO Dave Whitehead to assume the role of President and asked Chief Business and Financial Officer Nestegard to assume the role of Executive Vice President.