Computer games could help researchers unlock the secrets of autism

Vesa Korhonen from the University of Eastern Finland presented the findings in his doctoral dissertation, which suggested game methods and information technology (IT) could open up avenues for the study of autism in children.Korhonen observed behaviours of autistic children and found that the subjects showed more interest and felt more comfortable when exposed to digital technologies and information and communications technology (ICT).{{quote-A:R-W:450-I:2-Q: For people with autism, looking into someone’s eyes is a probl or atypical. When they are playing a game, however, they se to have no probls doing it, -WHO:Vesa Korhonen, Director of Development at Autism Foundation Finland}}His study, entitled “High support need and minimally verbal children with autism – exploration of technology-based research methodology and the case of attending to eyes”, was presented in February before a defense panel at the Joensuu Campus.Korhonen developed a game intended to follow eye movent among the test subjects, based on numerous studies where eye tracking was used by researchers worldwide to determine differences in social attention among autistic children and other neurodevelopment disorders.The game involved the player wearing eye-tracking spectacles and gazing at a virtual character. It allowed the researcher to monitor game performance, eye movent and overt behaviour.“For people with autism, looking into someone’s eyes is a probl or atypical. When they are playing a game, however, they se to have no probls doing it,” he said, pointing out that the responsiveness of the subjects were reflected in the eye-tracking data.“Research like this can help us develop a more autistic-friendly perspective that focuses on their strengths. We can observe th in their own motivating environment.”However, he also explained that the work may have just scratched the surface and more in-depth studies were needed.Korhonen explained that while computer games may be of interest to most autistic children, it might not work for some. Therefore, there was still a need to consider individual preferences and interests for each case.