Development of a novel neurotechnology to promote emotion recognition in autism

描述（由申请人提供）：面部情绪识别（FER）的困难被认为会导致或加剧自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）患者的社交能力障碍，原因是1）无法准确检测通过面部（特别是眼睛区域）传达的社交/情绪信息，以及2）无法部署情绪上适当的反应。虽然神经系统被认为是ASD FER缺陷的基础，但其可塑性仍然是推测性的。该项目的目标是开发一种辅助技术，以促进ASD中的面部情绪识别[R21]。我们提出可以使用脑机接口（BCI）设备恢复FER [R33]。为了开发FER助手，我们计划首先[R21]确定是否有可能开发一种多体素分类器，该分类器在功能性磁共振成像（fMRI）期间在时间上预测成功的情感识别。一种自适应的实时功能磁共振成像（rt-fMRI）范例将解释受试者大脑的输出，以评估计算机生成的演员的情感是否被识别。如果没有，所表达的面部情绪的强度将增加，直到计算机确定受试者已经识别出该情绪。在调整支持向量机（SVM）产生的这种监督学习算法后，我们将大规模多维分类器转换为低维空间，可以通过放置在头皮上的单或双EEG传感器复制。原理的证明是，多元分类器可以向前转换到频率（EEG）空间。EEG传感器可以舒适地佩戴在扫描仪（BCI设备）之外，并且可以无线连接到便携式平板电脑（iPad）。然后，我们将在组间随机设计（真正的神经反馈与安慰剂神经反馈）中证明流动BCI“FER助手”[R33]的可行性。FER助手是基于虚拟现实的iPad应用程序，其使用EEG传感器数据通过操纵化身的情绪强度来辅助用户进行情绪识别，直到其被用户识别，用户将在情绪被识别得越早时获得分数。本随机对照试验（RCT）的目的是评估可行性，包括干预的可接受性、招募和随机化程序、干预实施、设盲评估程序和RCT背景下的受试者保留，为有效性试验做准备。这项研究的成果包括展示了FER缺陷的神经过程及其可塑性的证据，以及一种易于出口、成本最低的基于计算机的干预。对于这一研究不足的人群几乎没有治疗研究，社交缺陷可能会对青春期后期和成年早期的ASD患者提出独特的挑战，因为他们面临着需要社交能力的多重生活转变和发展任务（例如，就业保障）。最终，我们计划在一项有充分把握度的随机临床试验中评估这种紧急干预的有效性。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Difficulties in facial emotion recognition (FER) are thought to cause or exacerbate social disability in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by preventing 1) accurate detection of social/emotional information conveyed through the face, particularly the eye-region, and 2) the deployment of emotionally appropriate responses. Although the neural systems thought to underlie FER deficits in ASD are increasingly appreciated, their plasticity remains speculative. The goal of this project is to develop an assistive technology to promote facial emotion recognition in ASD [R21]. We propose that FER can be rehabilitated using a brain-computer interface (BCI) device [R33]. To develop an FER assistant, we plan to first [R21] determine whether it is possible to develop a multi-voxel classifier that is temporally predictive of successful emotion recognition during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). An adaptive, real-time fMRI (rt-fMRI) paradigm will interpret the output of a subject's brain to assess whether a computer-generated actor's emotion is recognized. If not, the expressed facial emotion will be increased in intensity until the computer determines that the subject has recognized the emotion. After tuning this supervised learning algorithm produced by a support vector machine (SVM), we then transform the massively multidimensional classifier to low-dimensionality space, which can be replicated by a single- or dual-EEG sensor placed on the scalp. The proof of principle is that the multivariate classifier can be forward transformed into frequency (EEG) space. The EEG sensor can be comfortably worn outside of the scanner (BCI device), and can be wirelessly linked to a portable tablet (iPad). We will then demonstrate the feasibility of an ambulatory BCI 'FER assistant' [R33] in a between-group, randomized design (genuine neurofeedback vs placebo neurofeedback). The FER assistant is a virtual reality- based iPad application that uses the EEG sensor data to assist users with emotion recognition by manipulating the avatar's emotion intensity until it is recognized by the user, who will receive points the earlier the emotion is recognized. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to assess feasibility including acceptability of the intervention, recruitment and randomization procedures, intervention implementation, blinded assessment procedures, and participant retention within the context of an RCT in preparation for a well- powered efficacy trial. This study's products include demonstration of the neural processes that underlie FER deficits and evidence of their plasticity, and an easily exportable, minimal-cost computer-based intervention. There has been little treatment research for this under-studied population, and social deficits may post unique challenges to people with ASD during late adolescence and early adulthood, as they face multiple life transitions and developmental tasks requiring social competence (e.g., securing employment). Ultimately, we plan to evaluate the efficacy of this emergent intervention in an adequately powered randomized clinical trial.