Advancements in Autism Spectrum Disorder interventions

According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism afflicts around 1 in 68 children. Statistically, 1 in 168 girls and 1 in 42 boys struggle with ASD. With a prevalence that high, people assume that investments in research to manage the condition would be high. Autism research only receives 5% of the research funding for childhood diseases, and more than half allocated for ASD goes into genetic research on the root causes of autism, notes Curtis Criope, Ph. D.

The good news is that many developmental therapists and professionals pursue different avenues of research on how to manage autism. So far, the common element in all the research being made is technology. After all, devices like computers and tablets provide children with autism predictable and controlled ways to interact.

Researchers have taken the cues on this propensity for kids with autism and started using the game Minecraft. Minecraft allows the children to build almost anything using blocks in an open-world environment. Some server administrators have even created a server for people with ASD called Autcraft. In Autcraft, researchers see kids with ASD interact and cooperate on play – a good sign that the game is helping with social communication skills.

Another area of technology that researchers are exploring is virtual reality, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe. Some of the children with ASD manage to tolerate the glasses and the visors required for the tech. Programmers can create safe virtual environments for children with autism to learn social interaction skills or occupational skills.

Aside from computer-enabled interventions, various devices are entering the market, which the aim to serve the needs of children with ASD on companionship and mood management. Kaspar, a robot, for example, will help the kids with interaction skills. Smart toys like Leka will change colors and play tunes in line with the children’s affinity for nonverbal communication.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D., is the head of research and development at the NTL Group, which specializes in the development of brain-based technology for healing and repairing neurological dysfunctions. For similar reads, visit this page.