Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately one percent of the population of Ireland, there are many difficulties facing people with ASD especially around social skills which can significantly impair their quality of life and education/work achievement. There are a number of different therapies and programmes that have been designed to help people with autism, especially around awareness of their own emotions and emotional awareness of others. A number of studies have suggested that recent growth in computer based Virtual Reality could be an effective tool. However, few if any of these studies have looked at biometric signals beyond EEG to determine user’s state of distress or engagement. Observations have been made either by a therapist being present or examining EEG at a later time.
This project aims to include more medical practices into the determination of user’s emotional state – e.g. level of anxiety – by considering respiratory rate, pulse and other factors that may be unique for people with ASD. This will not only help to ensure that more accurate results would be acquired for future tests with VR therapies but also this project should indicate any health issues or factors that would need to be considered for these tests.
