Literature review for ECHOES
1. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The term autism refers to a variety of psychological and behavioural characteristic
present in some human beings. Given the amplitude of characteristic present in
autistic people, these disorders are collectively known as Autism Spectrum Disorder
or ASD. One of the better typified examples of autistic behaviour in high functioning
individuals is Aspergers syndrome or AS. This syndrome is present in some
individuals and is characterised by the person’s inability to read or interpreted
another’s feelings and intentions. For some, the capacity to read other’s intentions is
central to leading a life in social settings and developing culture (Tomasello,
Carpenter et al. 2005). Furthermore, this capacity seems to be absent in people
suffering ASD.
The causes of Autism are yet not fully understood. Some evidence points to a
malfunction in the neural system, particularly in the mirror-neurons (Oberman,
Hubbard et al. 2005). Other research has associated autism with genetic mutations
(Durand, Betancur et al. 2007). However, the consequences of autism have been
studied in a variety of settings: family, school, social lives. It is known that people
with ASD have communication problems, some have difficult to speak (REF) or
articulate a coherent conversation (REF), those who communicate use repetitive
words or have a dysfunctional language (REF). Other manifestations of the autistic
syndromes include delays in social development (REF) with acute degrees of autism
manifesting alienation and a preference for solitude (REF).
Our primary interest in ECHOES is in Asperger syndrome, a mild form of autism,
manifested in individuals with an IQ > 80 who display some problems in the social
sphere of their lives. Asperger people might manifest one or a combination of typified
behaviours such as (REF):
a. Marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as
eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to
regulate social interaction
b. Failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
c. Lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or
achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or
pointing out objects of interest)
d. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity
ASD can be treated using several therapies. One of them is “Applied Behaviour
Analysis” (ABA) consisting on studying and analysis typical behaviours with the hope
of modifying them (REF). This therapy teaches social, verbal, motor and reasoning
skills using the stimulus-response principle. Under this philosophy, ASD people are
praised when an appropriate behaviour is displayed or punished when not. Critics of
this method pick up on the cost of this treatment involving 20 to 40 hours of therapist
per week. It has also been criticized for prompting ASD people to react artificially to
common situations.
Another somehow successful (REF) technique to treat autism is the use of
computers (REF). The apparent success with the use of computers is believed to be
the affinity that ASD people have with computer environments. This affinity arises as
the computer can be controlled and adjusted according to the person’s needs and
preferences.
2. Affect and motivation in people with ASD
a. Motivation
b. Affect perception
c. Recognition of emotions
3. HCCI design for people with ASD
a. ..
b. …
c. ..
Bibliography
Durand, C. M., C. Betancur, et al. (2007). "Mutations in the gene encoding the synaptic
scaffolding proteing SHANK3 are associated with autism spectrum disorders." Nature
Genetics 39(1): 25-27.
Oberman, L. M., E. M. Hubbard, et al. (2005). "EEG evidence for mirror neuron
dysfunction in autism spectrum disorders." Cognitive Brain Research 24: 190-198.
Tomasello, M., M. Carpenter, et al. (2005). "Understanding and sharing emotions: The
origins of cultural cognition." Behavioural and brain sciences 28: 675-735.