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。这些问题包括识别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可移植、低成本和用户友好的技术治疗系统，同时针对FER和EE。这个系统[面部表情训练：脚]将是完全非侵入性的，类似于游戏，以吸引目标人群--患有自闭症的儿童。这个新系统将在技术上变得复杂，因为它使用了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实践 ASD干预研究，系统是个性化的，刺激的传递将基于用户的反应(准确性)。在这项为期两年的研究中，我们将首先改进系统使用的计算系统，以最大限度地提高计算机对儿童情绪的准确检测。然后，我们将使用一项由患有自闭症儿童(n=20)和非自闭症儿童(n=20)组成的两组研究来检验新系统的可用性、可行性和评估有效性。这不是一项治疗评估研究，而是一项原则性研究的证明，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，针对自闭症儿童明显的社会缺陷背后的核心过程。这种方法具有跨诊断的吸引力，因为不良的FER/EE不是ASD所特有的；例如，它通常在ADHD儿童中发现。在进行下一步的疗效评估之前，这项研究也是必要的，以确定系统的可行性。

 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.