CHENNAI: Every small invention or discovery is a big step for people with autism, making their challenging life that much more bearable and calmer. Many people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are visual thinkers as several research studies show. At least half of them have an IQ more than 70. They are not considered intellectually disabled, but their quirks and other behavioural and emotional disparities set them apart.
While phones, iPads and virtual technology are helping them cope, many researchers have dedicated their lives to find new algorithms and study the ABCs of the spectrum. It’s also inspiring to hear stories about caretakers who take the initiative to develop things like new apps, spread awareness, form support groups and also assist in sourcing funds for new projects.
Why is this important? According to a paper in rehabcouncil.nic, one in 500 children has ASD in India alone. Worldwide statistics are even alarming and on a steady increase. Autism was first recognised as a coherent disorder in 1943 and technology since then has taken a test ride to help prevent and cure ASD. Developments have been on a rise ever since and City Express brings to you some of the latest new tech and findings.
Headphones on, music in
Listening to music at an early age not only contributes to better brain development but also help treat autism and ADHD. A study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiology Society of North America shows that music optimises the creation and establishment of neural networks and stimulates brain tracts.
Talk to my smartphone!
Tippy Talk was created by a father for his autistic daughter who was non-verbal. This app is similar to SPEAKall but additionally, it allows him to know his daughter’s needs and wishes even if he
is at his workstation or out of the country.
Gardening
A virtual reality experience Botanika has been designed by University of Hull students for people with autism. This video game, commissioned by Microsoft, allows users to grow their virtual garden, giving them the entire responsibility and ownership. This immersive experience will help them calm themselves and also allow the external caretakers to understand how they manage situations.
This and that
Ten months ago, a couple from New South Wales with two young boys with autism, came up with an app First and Then, where instructions are given to the kids to a certain chore before another. For instance, first brush your teeth then go to bed. The app helps in smooth communication between parents and children.
Keep calm and fly on
Shannon airport, one of Ireland’s busiest airports, recently launched Europe’s first sensory room for passengers with autism. Located next to the departure lounge, the facilities include aquatic bubble tube, colour changing LEDs and an undulated wavy wall. Passengers who need additional support can use official caps and wristbands available to ensure they are identified by staff and receive special treatment.
App for thoughts
SPEAKall helps autistic children who find it difficult to communicate or are non-verbal. It helps us understand their expressions. Developed by a team at Purdue University, USA, kids can select from a database of icons and pictures to convey their needs and moods. This app was recognised as the best new technology of recent times in R&D’s Top 100.
Glasses that study
People with autism tend to avoid eye contact. According to researchers, it has been difficult to examine because of the unreliable method of recording from a stationary camera which cannot differentiate eye contact and a general stare. Recently, they have begun to embed camera in the eyeglasses which allows researchers to gather more concrete evidence and gain insight to behavioural patterns.
Crowdfunding for Boop
A mother of four, including a son with autism, designed Boop, a multi-layered, interactive learning environment with remote log-in for parents and educators. She raised 70,000 euros for grant funding and is now looking to raise 50,000 more to make the product available. Boop helps caretakers support the child’s development and help children to develop self-awareness, self-management and independent learning skills.
Tell the bot
Meet Zeno, the robot who interacts in real-time with autistic children. Developed by a team from Imperial College, London, this robot has been combined with a range of audio, visual, facial recognition and artificial intelligence technologies and can detect and decipher sounds and visual cues from children. It’s the first-of-its-kind.
New neighbour in Sesame Street
We always seek relatable characters on TV. Imagine the plight of autistic children who are anxious about cartoons. Creators of the popular kids’ show Sesame Street have introduced a new character who has autism. Here’s to a happy childhood for those who relate with the muppet Julia!
Blood will tell
Scientists at New York’s Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed an algorithm that can predict if a child has an autism spectrum disorder from a blood sample. While testing the algorithm, it had an accuracy of more than 96 % in identifying ASD. The study was published in PLOS One.
Goodbye to phobias
A team from Newcastle University, England uses virtual reality to help people with autism overcome their fears. Calling it Newcastle Blue Room, this tech puts the person with autism in a safe virtual environment and gradually exposes them to the elements of their fears and eventually overcome the phobia.
App for thoughts
SPEAKall helps autistic children who find it difficult to communicate or are non-verbal. It helps us understand their expressions. Developed by a team at Purdue University, USA, kids can select from a database of icons and pictures to convey their needs and moods. This app was recognised as the best new technology of recent times in R&D’s Top 100.
(The writer is a freelance journalist)