Technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), robotics, and wearables are beginning to play a significant role in enhancing support and care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Autism is always in the grey—literally—be it for the individual or the caregivers. From diagnosis to degree of intervention, everything feels ambiguous. You may often come across people on the autistic spectrum and not even realise it—many just come across as introverts, perfectionists, or even highly talented geeks, for want of a better term.
Because, although they may suffer from social communication challenges, repetitive behaviours and/or restricted interests, many autistic individuals are very talented. They might excel in arts, sciences, math, programming, or even sleuthing.
Bill Gates once said that if he had been evaluated in his childhood years, he would most probably have been diagnosed with ASD; and in a TV show, Elon Musk remarked that he was on the autistic spectrum too.
Experts now feel that many greats of yesteryears, from Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin to Vincent van Gogh and Nikola Tesla, appear to have had developmental disabilities like autism. There is a popular inference that author Conan Doyle’s famous detective Sherlock Holmes was on the autistic spectrum too!
The point is, many autistic individuals are perfectly capable of using their strengths and abilities to accomplish amazing things and achieve great success and fame in life. If they could do it years ago, without even a proper diagnosis, it is definitely possible today with greater awareness, better diagnosis and detection, and personalised care and support.
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From Early Detection to Individualised Intervention
Due to its broad spectrum and often indirect symptoms, it is extremely difficult to diagnose ASD. This sometimes pushes doctors to defer the decision till the child goes to school and the symptoms become more pronounced. With advanced AI-based tools that can correlate and analyse behavioural patterns, neuroimaging, genetics, physiological responses, and other relevant parameters, doctors are now able to detect ASD as early as 18 months, leading to timely intervention and support. Advanced machine learning (ML) models help to analyse even subtle aspects such as eye gaze, speech, facial expressions, and motor skills.
Canvas Dx from Cognoa, is an FDA-authorised diagnostic solution that helps diagnose or rule out autism in children aged 1.5 to 6 years, within days. This smartphone application makes it possible to diagnose remotely, thereby supporting underserved regions where a qualified practitioner might not be available. Jaipur-based startup Aignosis offers similar AI-powered solutions for early screening, diagnosis, and detection of autism.
With data-driven AI tools like these, healthcare professionals can precisely assess an individual’s specific needs, strengths, preferences, and challenges, and develop tailor-made solutions and treatment plans for each person. AI-powered systems also help to continuously track the individual’s progress and responses, allowing therapy and support to be dynamically customised and improved.
Ranging from AI-powered augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools to social robots, and smart home apps and wearable devices, there are a whole lot of technologies out there that have the potential to make life better for individuals in the autistic spectrum. Let us look at some of them in this story.
However, do note that not all technologies suit everyone—and not everyone needs technology either! Therapists and counsellors opt for no-tech, low-tech, or high-tech interventions based on an individual’s capabilities and level of intervention required. It is therefore very important to consult your doctor before trying out any new technological aid.
| AI magic in ASD management |
| • Accurate and timely diagnosis • Data-driven insights • Personalised and adaptive interventions • Increased engagement and motivation, due to personalisation • Better communication and social interaction • Greater support for caregivers and therapists • Accessibility and scalability of interventions, in underserved regions too |
Bolstering Care and Therapy
There is no such thing as stress-free caregiving. But AI-powered tools can share some of the caregivers’ and therapists’ responsibilities.
Foremost, AI can provide data-driven insights. Parents and other caregivers often find it difficult to give accurate information about an individual’s condition or progress, due to the subjective nature of symptoms and emotional biases. However, AI tools automate data analysis and provide detailed progress reports, enabling the formulation of more targeted therapies. Some AI-powered remote monitoring tools not only help caregivers keep an eye on the individuals, but can also predict crises using behavioural analysis.
Another great advantage of AI-driven apps and telehealth platforms for ASD management is the increased accessibility and democratisation of diagnosis and intervention, as even people in underserved or remote geographical areas get access to global best practices and specialised support from experts.
Here are some ways in which AI-powered tools support therapists, educators, and caregivers…
Behaviour Analysis and Tracking
AI-driven systems assist in data collection, behaviour tracking, and analysis, which can be used to personalise interventions. Modern AI-powered tools can record therapy sessions or day-to-day interactions of individuals with ASD and analyse the videos to track various aspects, such as eye movements, facial expressions, speech, motor skills, and engagement levels. Advanced tools can capture and analyse even subtle cues, such as fleeting eye contact, changes in tone, or gestures indicating frustration or engagement, which humans may miss. Therapeutic interventions and learning can be refined dynamically based on such real-time feedback and detailed data analysis by AI.
seamlessCARE’s Empathic is an app that can interpret the emotions of non-verbal people. Usually, the primary caregivers can adeptly understand what a non-verbal person is trying to express. Still, not everyone in the extended circle of caregiving might be able to do so. Empathic app comes in handy at such times. It interprets emotional states from facial expressions, voice tones, and physiological responses, allowing caregivers and therapists to understand better and respond to an individual’s emotional needs and triggers. iMotions Lab also offers customised hardware and software solutions for understanding and interpreting emotions using not just video but also physiological parameters.
Tutorials for Parents and Caregivers
AI-driven apps can offer guided step-by-step tutorials for parents and suggest tailored activities. SocialMind, for example, is a smartphone app that trains caregivers and therapists on strategies to motivate children with autism to talk and communicate. The app first teaches the caregiver a technique. Then, it records the video of the caregiver implementing the recommended technique, analyses the implementation and the child’s response, and gives personalised recommendations to improve the technique, or takes you to the next level with further recommendations.
Predictive Analytics
AI can predict potential challenges or behavioural episodes by analysing past triggers and patterns, enabling proactive management and early intervention. Empatica, for example, uses its EmbracePlus smartwatch and associated platform to anticipate and potentially prevent aggressive outbursts by warning caregivers on time. The wearable device monitors physiological data, such as heart rate, skin conductance, and movement, which are then analysed on the platform to identify patterns preceding such events.
| To-do list for the tech and research community |
| • Affordable, accessible, and more efficient AI models • Ethical, cultural, and linguistic compatibility of AI apps • Comfortable, neurodivergence-friendly wearables • Collaborative development with researchers, caregivers, educators, and therapists • Comprehensive, longitudinal research to establish the long-term efficacy of AI-powered tools • Neurodivergence-friendly features in common apps and gadgets • Regulatory frameworks to ensure data privacy, security, and ethical use |
Personalised Interventions
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