The Use of Sensors, Systems and Devices to Diagnose and Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder
Mentor 1
Dr. Zhi Zheng
Location
Union Wisconsin Room
Start Date
5-4-2019 1:30 PM
End Date
5-4-2019 3:30 PM
Description
The objective of my research is to explore the use of sensors, LEDs, and electronics to create a sensory apparatus to be used in the diagnosis and intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is speculated by data that children with ASD react to certain stimuli such as flashing lights, moving objects and color patterns differently than their typically developing peers. The sensory apparatus developed during my research consists of two parts that aim to explore this theory further. The first part of the apparatus involves the use of the Arduino electronics platform with a series of LEDS to create an element that allows for the control of flashing and lighting patterns of the LEDs by physical switches as well as through the Unity Game Engine virtual environment. The second part of the apparatus utilizes an accelerometer connected wirelessly to a PC. The Unity virtual environment will take information sent from the accelerometer and use it to rotate and manipulate objects and shapes in the created virtual environment. This apparatus will allow for the creation of a virtual and real environment in which researchers can control for the appearance of stimuli and observe if any given stimuli causes aversion, attraction, or is ignored by children with ASD. With this information, it may also be possible to create classroom and learning regiments tailored to fit the needs of individual children with ASD by reducing the appearance of certain elements that cause distraction or discomfort.
The Use of Sensors, Systems and Devices to Diagnose and Treat Autism Spectrum Disorder
Union Wisconsin Room
The objective of my research is to explore the use of sensors, LEDs, and electronics to create a sensory apparatus to be used in the diagnosis and intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is speculated by data that children with ASD react to certain stimuli such as flashing lights, moving objects and color patterns differently than their typically developing peers. The sensory apparatus developed during my research consists of two parts that aim to explore this theory further. The first part of the apparatus involves the use of the Arduino electronics platform with a series of LEDS to create an element that allows for the control of flashing and lighting patterns of the LEDs by physical switches as well as through the Unity Game Engine virtual environment. The second part of the apparatus utilizes an accelerometer connected wirelessly to a PC. The Unity virtual environment will take information sent from the accelerometer and use it to rotate and manipulate objects and shapes in the created virtual environment. This apparatus will allow for the creation of a virtual and real environment in which researchers can control for the appearance of stimuli and observe if any given stimuli causes aversion, attraction, or is ignored by children with ASD. With this information, it may also be possible to create classroom and learning regiments tailored to fit the needs of individual children with ASD by reducing the appearance of certain elements that cause distraction or discomfort.
