Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased strongly over the past decades, and so has the demand for adequate behavioral assessment and support for persons affected by ASD. Here we provide a review on original research that used sensor technology for an objective assessment of social behavior, either with the aim to assist the assessment of autism or with the aim to use this technology for intervention and support of people with autism. Considering rapid technological progress, we focus (1) on studies published within the last 10 years (2009–2019), (2) on contact- and irritation-free sensor technology that does not constrain natural movement and interaction, and (3) on sensory input from the face, the voice, or body movements. We conclude that sensor technology has already demonstrated its great potential for improving both behavioral assessment and interventions in autism spectrum disorders. We also discuss selected examples for recent theoretical questions related to the understanding of psychological changes and potentials in autism. In addition to its applied potential, we argue that sensor technology—when implemented by appropriate interdisciplinary teams—may even contribute to such theoretical issues in understanding autism.
Highlights
Throughout the last decades, the number of people diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increased dramatically [1,2] and so did the need for high-quality diagnostic protocols and therapies
We focus on sensor technology that is applicable without constraining natural movement, and on sensory input from the face, the voice, or body movements
Note that we identified many publications on interventions aiming at autism as a target condition, many of these reported conceptual or technological contributions and few of them presented original data from people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) that qualified them for inclusion in this review
Summary
Throughout the last decades, the number of people diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increased dramatically [1,2] and so did the need for high-quality diagnostic protocols and therapies. With the ongoing progress in computer sciences and hardware, a lot of creative ideas emerged on how to use sensor data to identify and observe autistic markers, support diagnostic procedures and enhance specific therapies to improve individuals’ outcomes. ASD is a behaviorally defined group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are specified by impaired reciprocal social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior or activities (DSM-5), [3]. Common social impairments include a lack of social attention as evident in abnormal eye gaze or eye contact [5] and social reciprocity such as in reduced sharing of emotions in facial [6] or vocal behavior [7]. Only a minority of the affected people report having mutual friendships [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
