A Brain-Computer Interface Based Attention Training Program for Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

10.1371/journal.pone.0046692PLoS ONE710

Critical success factors of virtual communities from members' perspective.

Virtual Communities (VCs) may be defined as “any group of people who share a common bond, yet who are not dependent on physical interaction and a common geographic location in order to sustain their group affinity” (Barnatt, 1998, pp.161). When the Internet bubble burst in 2000, many VCs whither financially.Master of Business Administratio

Social deficits or interactional differences? Interrogating perspectives on social functioning in autism

Social dysfunction is a key characteristic of autism. Determining and treating autism-related social deficits have been challenging. The medical model views interpersonal difficulties in autism as a localized set of deficits to be managed, whereas the neurodiversity movement calls for the accommodation of differences by the larger community. One common assumption underlying these perspectives is a misalignment in social behaviors between autistic individuals and neurotypicals. This paper reviews and interrogates current perspectives on social functioning in autism to uncover the intricacies of such a notion. Even though extant literature has alluded to a misalignment in social behaviors between autistic and neurotypical individuals, it is uncertain where this disparity lies. Implications for future research and practice are discussed

Challenges & opportunities facing the visually handicapped seeking employment in Singapore

This research looks into the employment opportunities and challenges faced by the visually handicapped (VH). In Singapore, the most precious resource is the quality of our labor as Singapore lacks natural resources. Each and everyone in Singapore can contribute to the society, including the VH. They too have lots of potentials to become an able worker. But is the environment in Singapore conducive to develop and train them

What’s in the pipeline? Drugs in development for autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with both core symptoms and associated symptoms (eg, irritability, aggression, and comorbidities) that affect both the individual and the family/systems around them. There have been recent advances in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of ASD pertaining to genetics, epigenetics, neurological, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to the difficulties found in individuals with ASD. With this improved understanding, there has been a shift in the application of psychopharmacology in ASD and its related disorders. A literature review was conducted to examine research published in the last 5 years between different classes of psychotropic medications and ASD. The broad scope of the existing literature for the use of conventional medications is summarized and novel medications are discussed

Child Community Mental Health Services in Asia Pacific and Singapore’s REACH Model

In recent decades, there have been concerted efforts to improve mental health services for youths alongside the challenges of rising healthcare costs and increasing demand for mental health needs. One important phenomenon is the shift from traditional clinic-based care to community-based mental health services to improve accessibility to services and provide patient-centred care. In this article, we discuss the child and adolescent community mental health efforts within the Asia-Pacific region. We also discuss Singapore’s community and school-based mental health service, known as the Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH). This article discusses how REACH has evolved over the years in response to the changing needs of youths in Singapore. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future directions for youth mental health care

Video game playing, attention problems, and impulsiveness: Evidence of bidirectional causality. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 1, 62–70. doi: 10.1037/a0026969

The present study examines video game playing as it relates to attention problems and impulsiveness in a sample of 3,034 children and adolescents from Singapore measured over 3 years. Consistent with previous research, those who spend more time playing video games subsequently have more attention problems, even when earlier attention problems, sex, age, race, and socioeconomic status are statistically controlled. Violent content may have a unique effect on attention problems and impulsiveness, but total time spent with video games appears to be a more consistent predictor. Individuals who are more impulsive or have more attention problems subsequently spend more time playing video games, even when initial video game playing is statistically controlled, suggesting bidirectional causality between video game playing and attention problems/ impulsiveness

Home-based brain-computer interface attention training program for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a feasibility trial

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent child neurodevelopmental disorder that is treated in clinics and in schools. Previous trials suggested that our brain–computer interface (BCI)-based attention training program could improve ADHD symptoms. We have since developed a tablet version of the training program which can be paired with wireless EEG headsets. In this trial, we investigated the feasibility of delivering this tablet-based BCI intervention at home. Methods: Twenty children diagnosed with ADHD, who did not receive any medication for the preceding month, were randomised to receive the 8-week tablet-based BCI intervention either in the clinic or at home. Those in the home intervention group received instructions before commencing the program and got reminders if they were lagging on the training sessions. The ADHD Rating Scale was completed by a blinded clinician at baseline and at week 8. Adverse events were monitored during any contact with the child throughout the trial and at week 8. Results: Children in both groups could complete the tablet-based intervention easily on their own with minimal support from the clinic therapist or their parents (at home). The intervention was safe with few reported adverse effects. Clinician-rated inattentive symptoms on the ADHD-Rating Scale reduced by 3.2 (SD 6.20) and 3.9 (SD 5.08) for the home-based and clinic-based groups respectively, suggesting that home-based intervention was comparable to clinic-based intervention. Conclusions: This trial demonstrated that the tablet version of our BCI-based attention training program can be safely delivered to children in the comfort of their own home.Published versionThis study was supported by a grant from Lee Foundation