The on-task Attention of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder-An Eye Tracker Study Using Auticare

Abstract

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterized by atypical patterns of behaviors and impairments in social communication. Traditional intervention approaches often require extensive fund support and well-trained therapists to address core deficits. Hence, emerging technology such as virtual reality (VR) has the potential to offer useful technology-enabled intervention systems. In this paper, an innovative Extended reality, Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality-based skill training platform called Auticare was used. Aim/Objective: This study explores the on-task attention on two virtual reality-based cognitive scenarios of individuals with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) groups. Methodology: 220 participants (ASD = 200, TD = 20) took part in a series of attention tests, which involved ball picking and putting in a basket and an alphabet learning scenario. We captured four eye-gaze parameters, which includes time to first fixate, first fixation duration, average fixation duration, and the sum of fixation count. The eye tracking data were analyzed to determine the on-task attention of the user while performing VR-based cognitive scenarios. Performance data, eye tracking indices and physiological features indicated the on-task attention of the individuals with ASD. Results: In the results we observe the comparison in the eye tracking parameters of ASD and TD group. This gives insight into the attention patterns of the participants of the study in each cognitive VR scenario. Conclusion: It is concluded that virtual reality skill training is a promising medium for skill training of individuals with Autism.