Overview of Assistive Technologies for Adults in a Minimally Conscious State : An integrative Review

Background: Through the use of assistive technologies persons in a minimallyconscious state could gain an active engagement role. Objective of the Study: Create an overview of assistive technologies used forrehabilitation interventions, which foster self-determination in adults in a minimallyconscious state. Methods: Through a literature search in the databases CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, PsycINFO and Medline publications were selected according to the following criteria: (1) adult persons (18+) with a diagnosis of minimally conscious state, (2) survey of assistive technologies. Findings: Persons in a minimally conscious state can use microswitches to activate an environmental stimulation or a voice output communication aid. Relevance to Clinical Practice: Interventions with assistive technologies are of crucial importance because no other intervention focuses on the acquisition of an active engagement role. Limitations and Recommendations for Further Research: Important results may be missed because publications, which involved beside persons in a minimally conscious state also persons with other disabilities, were excluded. Further research should assess the effects of the devices and investigate other related devices

A Single-Subject Evaluation of Facilitated Communication in the Completion of School-Assigned Homework

Few projects have combined quantitative and qualitative approaches in the analysis of facilitated communication as did this study of a 17-year-old nonverbal autistic male responding to homework questions using facilitated communication. Findings were consistent with prior studies: Tim was minimally able to produce correct responses independent of facilitator influence under controlled conditions; whereas, at least some typed messages in the spontaneous narratives appear to be his authentic communications independent of facilitator control. An overview of the history of facilitated communication, its related research, and the heated debates around its validity are presented. Disparate findings between controlled and non-controlled circumstances are examined, first within a traditional paradigm, and then within the framework of the past decade’s sensorimotor and neuroimaging research. EEG, fMRI, and DTI neuroimaging studies indicate autism is a disorder of disrupted cerebral neural connectivity - specifically of long-range neural underconnectivity and short-range over- and, to a lesser degree, under-connectivity. Research linking these findings with the long-discounted sensorimotor behavioral research (and firsthand accounts) indicating aberrant sensory integration and motor planning processes are core features of autism has just begun. A key argument against advocates’ explanations for FC being authentic in some situations but not in others has been with their lack of a substantiating theory. Based on combined evidence from neuroimaging and sensorimotor research, this author theorizes that dyssynchronous activation of brain regions and long-range underconnectivity necessary for higher order integration of sensory input and motor planning, which are exacerbated by increased anxiety and cognitive and emotional demands imposed by controlled designs, explain the disparities between abilities to respond under controlled versus non-controlled conditions. As demonstrated through neuroimaging research, widespread disrupted cerebral neural connectivity appears to be the fundamental neurological mechanism underlying autism with its associated behaviors that have for too-long been socially interpreted and misinterpreted rather than neurologically explained. This author proposes that as task-based neuroconnectivity research advances, the disruptions in neural connectivity will account for the differing outcomes produced when typing with facilitation under controlled versus non-controlled conditions. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu/ and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd

A Single-Subject Evaluation of Facilitated Communication in the Completion of School-Assigned Homework

Few projects have combined quantitative and qualitative approaches in the analysis of facilitated communication as did this study of a 17-year-old nonverbal autistic male responding to homework questions using facilitated communication. Findings were consistent with prior studies: Tim was minimally able to produce correct responses independent of facilitator influence under controlled conditions; whereas, at least some typed messages in the spontaneous narratives appear to be his authentic communications independent of facilitator control. An overview of the history of facilitated communication, its related research, and the heated debates around its validity are presented. Disparate findings between controlled and non-controlled circumstances are examined, first within a traditional paradigm, and then within the framework of the past decade’s sensorimotor and neuroimaging research. EEG, fMRI, and DTI neuroimaging studies indicate autism is a disorder of disrupted cerebral neural connectivity - specifically of long-range neural underconnectivity and short-range over- and, to a lesser degree, under-connectivity. Research linking these findings with the long-discounted sensorimotor behavioral research (and firsthand accounts) indicating aberrant sensory integration and motor planning processes are core features of autism has just begun. A key argument against advocates’ explanations for FC being authentic in some situations but not in others has been with their lack of a substantiating theory. Based on combined evidence from neuroimaging and sensorimotor research, this author theorizes that dyssynchronous activation of brain regions and long-range underconnectivity necessary for higher order integration of sensory input and motor planning, which are exacerbated by increased anxiety and cognitive and emotional demands imposed by controlled designs, explain the disparities between abilities to respond under controlled versus non-controlled conditions. As demonstrated through neuroimaging research, widespread disrupted cerebral neural connectivity appears to be the fundamental neurological mechanism underlying autism with its associated behaviors that have for too-long been socially interpreted and misinterpreted rather than neurologically explained. This author proposes that as task-based neuroconnectivity research advances, the disruptions in neural connectivity will account for the differing outcomes produced when typing with facilitation under controlled versus non-controlled conditions. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA, http://aura.antioch.edu/ and Ohio Link ETD Center, https://etd.ohiolink.edu/etd

Pilot study for subgroup classification for autism spectrum disorder based on dysmorphology and physical measurements in Chinese children

Poster Sessions: 157 - Comorbid Medical Conditions: abstract 157.058 58BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting individuals along a continuum of severity in communication, social interaction and behaviour. The impact of ASD significantly varies amongst individuals, and the cause of ASD can originate broadly between genetic and environmental factors. Objectives: Previous ASD researches indicate that early identification combined with a targeted treatment plan involving behavioural interventions and multidisciplinary therapies can provide substantial improvement for ASD patients. Currently there is no cure for ASD, and the clinical variability and uncertainty of the disorder still remains. Hence, the search to unravel heterogeneity within ASD by subgroup classification may provide clinicians with a better understanding of ASD and to work towards a more definitive course of action. METHODS: In this study, a norm of physical measurements including height, weight, head circumference, ear length, outer and inner canthi, interpupillary distance, philtrum, hand and foot length was collected from 658 Typical Developing (TD) Chinese children aged 1 to 7 years (mean age of 4.19 years). The norm collected was compared against 80 ASD Chinese children aged 1 to 12 years (mean age of 4.36 years). We then further attempted to find subgroups within ASD based on identifying physical abnormalities; individuals were classified as (non) dysmorphic with the Autism Dysmorphology Measure (ADM) from physical examinations of 12 body regions. RESULTS: Our results show that there were significant differences between ASD and TD children for measurements in: head circumference (p=0.009), outer (p=0.021) and inner (p=0.021) canthus, philtrum length (p=0.003), right (p=0.023) and left (p=0.20) foot length. Within the 80 ASD patients, 37(46%) were classified as dysmorphic (p=0.00). CONCLUSIONS: This study attempts to identify subgroups within ASD based on physical measurements and dysmorphology examinations. The information from this study seeks to benefit ASD community by identifying possible subtypes of ASD in Chinese population; in seek for a more definitive diagnosis, referral and treatment plan.published_or_final_versio

MyRoom: A user-centred model of affective responsive architecture

Can my immediate physical environment affect how I feel? The instinctive answer to this question must be a resounding “yes”. What might seem a throwaway remark is increasingly borne out by research in environmental and behavioural psychology, and in the more recent discipline of Evidence-Based Design. Research outcomes are beginning to converge with findings in neuroscience and neurophysiology, as we discover more about how the human brain and body functions, and reacts to environmental stimuli. What we see, hear, touch, and sense affects each of us psychologically and, by extension, physically, on a continual basis. The physical characteristics of our daily environment thus have the capacity to profoundly affect all aspects of our functioning, from biological systems to cognitive ability. This has long been understood on an intuitive basis, and utilised on a more conscious basis by architects and other designers. Recent research in evidence-based design, coupled with advances in neurophysiology, confirm what have been previously held as commonalities, but also illuminate an almost frightening potential to do enormous good, or alternatively, terrible harm, by virtue of how we make our everyday surroundings. The thesis adopts a design methodology in its approach to exploring the potential use of wireless sensor networks in environments for elderly people. Vitruvian principles of “commodity, firmness and delight” inform the research process and become embedded in the final design proposals and research conclusions. The issue of person-environment fit becomes a key principle in describing a model of continuously-evolving responsive architecture which makes the individual user its focus, with the intention of promoting wellbeing. The key research questions are: What are the key system characteristics of an adaptive therapeutic single-room environment? How can embedded technologies be utilised to maximise the adaptive and therapeutic aspects of the personal life-space of an elderly person with dementia?

Journey with Autism: Successful Educational and Social Interventions from a Single Case Study

Problem Statistics indicate that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is on the increase in America and worldwide (Xu, Strathearn, Liu, & Bao, 2018; Baio et al., 2018). Autism spectrum disorder can impair an individual’s ability to engage in neurotypical behavior, which has the potential to increase their vulnerability to being shunned and bullied. This makes autism a major societal concern with significant costs to the individual, their family, private/public health insurance, state financial aid programs, and to the nation. This present study was undertaken to determine, in the opinions of those connected to the case, whether the interventions engaged in this case were effective and to what extent the educational and social interventions practiced in this specific case were responsible for enabling Carter to reach the place where the diagnosticians felt that he no longer met the criteria for receiving services for autism spectrum disorder. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify social and educational interventions used in Carter\u27s journey with Autism Spectrum Disorder and to document the social and educational interventions employed by several individuals who worked with him. Further, the study sought to describe the impact of these interventions on Carter, from the perspectives of the key individuals involved in the early education of the child. Additionally, the study set out to determine whether these interventions actually enabled Carter to no longer meet the criteria for receiving services for autism spectrum disorder. -- Method The study employed a qualitative case study approach which gathered data mainly through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Other data sources included Carter’s mother\u27s (Meghan\u27s) account of her experience, key documents, and examples of learning activities found to be of benefit to the child. The nine individuals who were interviewed were invited to participate because they had been directly involved with the case. The data was analyzed using NVivo data analysis. Results The results from the analysis of the data study indicate that there was a positive relationship between the interventions reported and Carter\u27s no longer meeting the criteria for services for ASD. The activities reported proved to be too numerous to be mentioned individually and were therefore grouped thematically. The two large groups were the social interventions and the educational interventions. The social interventions group was comprised of activities, such as Gymfants (gymnastics for young children), Children’s Choir, Adventurers Club, and attending regular school which promoted social interactions. These groups facilitated Carter’s working with others, taking directions from others, imitating others, leading, following, and taking turns. Language was key to these interactions. Educational interventions included; reading, attending homeschool, regular school, strategic games such as Connect Four, Uno, and geographical puzzles, floor puzzles; foreign language videos and science videos among other activities. These interventions incorporated language and encouraged Carter in individual work, seated work, pattern identification, and viewing for a purpose among other things. These interventions were planned by Meghan outside of the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and in addition to Speech Therapy. Conclusions As a result of this study, the reader can see that the curriculum developed for Carter by Meghan was directly related to his progress. The study concluded that Carter\u27s family working together to provide the program of interventions contributed greatly to his no longer meeting the criteria to remain in the autism therapy program designed for him by the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) team. It appeared that the intentionality of Carter’s support team had a significant relationship with his progress. It was also concluded that there was a strong relationship between Music as a theme and Carter\u27s progress. The study concluded that the combination of educational and social interventions employed with Carter helped to eliminate the need for him to receive services for autism spectrum disorder. The study showed that intervention in autism requires parental involvement as the delivery of a variety of social and educational interventions through the medium of the home allowed for a natural, meaningful and permanent transfer of knowledge and growth in a number of areas. It is therefore obligatory that the parent/therapist/school partnership be supported and empowered

Learning Disabilities

Learning disabilities are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by failure to acquire, retrieve, and use information competently. These disorders have a multifactorial aetiology and are most common and severe in children, especially when comorbid with other chronic health conditions. This book provides current and comprehensive information about learning disorders, including information on neurobiology, assessment, clinical features, and treatment. Chapters cover such topics as historical research and hypotheses of learning disorders, neuropsychological assessment and counselling, characteristics of specific disorders such as autism and ADHD, evidence-based treatment strategies and assistive technologies, and much more

How Intelligence Can Be a Solution to Consequential World Problems

Intelligence research is mainly concerned with basic science questions; what is the psychometric structure of intelligence? What are the cognitive bases of intelligence? What are the brain-based correlates of intelligence? What does intelligence predict? Such research is needed, but there are also problems larger than those presented in intelligence tests, including problems of today. What is the role of human intelligence in solving consequential real-world problems? Here, leading scholars in the field of intelligence each address one real-world problem—a problem of their choice—and explain how intelligence has been, or could be, essential for a solution

Zwischen Hoffnung und Trauer – Interventionen zur Unterstützung der Angehörigen von Menschen im Wachkoma oder minimalen Bewusstseinszustand : Eine systematische Literaturarbeit

Angehörige von Menschen im Wachkoma oder minimalen Bewusstseinszustand zeigen eine erhöhte emotionale Belastung. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es, pflegerische Interventionen zur Unterstützung des Copings aufzuzeigen. Sieben quantitative Studien werden in die Analyse eingeschlossen. Es können keine pflegespezifische Intervention identifiziert werden. Stattdessen werden die Wirksamkeit psychologischer Interventionen sowie Effekte verschiedener Coping-Strategien aufgezeigt. Emotionsorientiertes Coping, Vermeidung, Verleugnung und Selbstbeschuldigung wirken symptomverstärkend. Problemorientiertes Coping, positive Einstellung und Akzeptanz dagegen symptomverringernd. Durch ein Pflegekonzept können die Situation und Coping-Strategien der Angehörigen erfasst und Interventionen abgeleitet werden.Relatives of patients in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or minimally conscious state exhibit increased emotional burden. The aim of this review is to identify nursing interventions to support their coping. Seven quantitative studies were included in the final analysis. A specific care intervention wasn’t identified. The effectiveness of psychological interventions and the effects of different coping strategies are discussed. Emotion-focused coping, avoidance, denial and self-accusation act as symptom reinforcing. Problem-focused coping, positive attitude and acceptance on the other hand proved to be symptom reducing. The situation of the relatives as well as their coping strategies can be identified by a possible care concept and interventions are derived

Quantifying Quality of Life

Describes technological methods and tools for objective and quantitative assessment of QoL Appraises technology-enabled methods for incorporating QoL measurements in medicine Highlights the success factors for adoption and scaling of technology-enabled methods This open access book presents the rise of technology-enabled methods and tools for objective, quantitative assessment of Quality of Life (QoL), while following the WHOQOL model. It is an in-depth resource describing and examining state-of-the-art, minimally obtrusive, ubiquitous technologies. Highlighting the required factors for adoption and scaling of technology-enabled methods and tools for QoL assessment, it also describes how these technologies can be leveraged for behavior change, disease prevention, health management and long-term QoL enhancement in populations at large. Quantifying Quality of Life: Incorporating Daily Life into Medicine fills a gap in the field of QoL by providing assessment methods, techniques and tools. These assessments differ from the current methods that are now mostly infrequent, subjective, qualitative, memory-based, context-poor and sparse. Therefore, it is an ideal resource for physicians, physicians in training, software and hardware developers, computer scientists, data scientists, behavioural scientists, entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders and administrators who are seeking an up-to-date resource on this subject