Developing an Automated Emotion Training System

 描述（由申请人提供）：非语言社交问题是自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）的特征。这些问题包括检测和表达情绪的能力受损，分别称为面部情绪识别（FER）和情绪表达（EE）。针对这些机制的基于计算机的自动化培训系统为推动ASD干预领域的发展带来了巨大的希望。我们建议开发一种高度便携、低成本和用户友好的技术治疗系统，该系统针对FER和EE。该系统[面部情绪表达训练：FEET]将是完全非侵入性和游戏式的，以吸引目标人群-ASD儿童。这个新系统将是技术先进的，因为它使用3D传感器，允许用户自由移动，并根据用户（儿童）的实时反馈自动调整刺激呈现。此外，我们正在整合以下领域的最佳做法： ASD干预研究，因为系统是个性化的，刺激的传递将基于用户的反应（准确性）而建立。在这项为期两年的研究中，我们将首先完善系统所使用的计算系统，以最大限度地提高对儿童的准确计算机情感检测。然后，我们将使用由ASD儿童（n=20）和非ASD儿童（n=20）组成的两组研究来检查新系统的可用性，可行性和评估有效性。这不是一项治疗评价研究，而是一项原理证明研究，其目标是优化将用于干预的技术。这一系列研究的倒数第二个目标是开发一种创新的治疗方法，针对ASD儿童明显社会缺陷的核心过程。这种方法具有跨诊断的吸引力，因为不良FER/EE并不特定于ASD;例如，它通常在ADHD儿童中发现。这项研究也是必要的，以确定系统的可行性，然后再进行疗效评估，这将是下一步。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Problems with nonverbal social interaction are characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Such problems include impaired ability to detect as well as express emotions, termed facial emotion recognition (FER) and emotion expression (EE), respectively. Computer-based, automated training systems to target these mechanisms hold tremendous promise for moving the field of interventions for ASD forward. We propose to develop a highly transportable, low-cost, and user-friendly technotherapy system that targets both FER and EE. This system [Facial Emotion Expression Training: FEET] will be entirely non-invasive and game- like, to make it appealing to the target population - children with ASD. This new system will be technologically sophisticated as it uses 3D sensors, allows for free movement of the user, and automatically adjusts stimuli presentation based on real-time feedback from the user (the child). Additionally, we are integrating best practices in the field of ASD intervention research, in that the system is individualized and delivery of stimuli will be scaffolded, based on the responses (accuracy) of the user. In this two-year study, we will first refine the computational system used by the system to maximize accurate computer emotion detection with children. We will then examine usability, feasibility, and assessment validity of th new system using a two-group study comprised of children with ASD (n=20) and children without ASD (n=20). This is not a treatment evaluation study, but rather a proof of principle study, the goal of which is to optimize the technology that will be used in intervention. The penultimate goal of this line of research is to develop an innovative treatment approach that targets core processes that underlie manifest social deficits in children with ASD. Such an approach has transdiagnostic appeal as poor FER/EE is not specific to ASD; it is commonly found in children with ADHD for example. This research is also necessary to establish viability of the system before proceeding to efficacy evaluation, which will be the next step.