Microsoft’s sensor was originally developed for gaming in conjunction with their Xbox console, but is now being combined with computer-vision algorithms trained to detect behavioural abnormalities.
Early diagnosis in Autism is essential, as getting sufficient access to speech and language therapy (SLT) can significantly improve a child’s communication skills. A large number of symptoms however can indicate autism, with many of these being subtle. Traditional methods have involved analysis of video footage of the child playing by an experienced clinician – a costly and time-consuming process.
University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development has now installed Kinect cameras to monitor groups of around 10 children aged between 3 and 5 years old as they play, which then identify and track children based on their shape and the colour of the clothes they are wearing.
The information is fed to into software which logs each child’s activity level, plotting it against the room’s average. The system can flag up children who are hyperactive or unusually still – both possible markers for autism. Behavioural markers as designated on the Autism Observation Scale for Infants can now be identified by the system, measuring traits like a child’s ability to follow an object as it passes in front of the eyes, as well as noting certain mannerisms or postures that are classified as being early signs of a possible ASD.
Guillermo Sapiro, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the Institute states that early tests using the software have been in agreement with professional diagnosis. He stated his intention to merge their Kinect system with a specially developed video game for that would test a child as they played with a parent and flag up any concerns.
Original Source New Scientist
About Pathway Software
Pathway Software (www.pathwaysoftware.com) specialises in the design and development of patient information systems for Allied Health professionals.
Its flagship product, Therapy Manager, is an Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system specifically designed for Therapy Services to provide decision makers with the ability to track and manage clinical activity and analyse cost of care by patient, episode or service. The system also demonstrably reduces administration time and the costs of managing Therapy Services.
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