Autism, through the eyes of a computer (2019)

There is related autism &amp; self-regulation research out of Harvard &amp; Boston Children&#x27;s[1] that uses video games &amp; biofeedback sensors in a very ingenious way:<p>The children participate in common games on a tablet where the difficultly (and the stress of playing) slowly increases. Signs of frustration &#x2F; stress from the bio monitors like a rapid heartbeat make clouds slowly start to cover the screen a bit like a screensaver. That provides the children a visual clue to do some self-soothing. Take deep breaths, your heart rate lowers, the screen becomes clear again so you can keep playing.<p>The idea is to practice emotional regulation and emotional awareness a few hours a day to build competency.<p>[1] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mightier.com" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.mightier.com</a>

By using machine learning on data from wearable biosensors, researchers can predict imminent aggressive behavior in autistic children and teenagers in psychiatric inpatient settings.

I do like the attempt at aiding diagnosis with &#x27;digital phenotypes.&#x27; Currently, the number one input into getting a mental health diagnosis is self reported (or guardian&#x2F;caretaker&#x2F;teacher reported for minors) subjective experiences. This generates a huge problem with screening or diagnosing. The current state of the art for autism diagnosis involves a panel of experts and multiple days of testing&#x2F;observation&#x2F;interviews. We currently know there are physical differences in the body and statistical differences in behavior for autism. I don&#x27;t think this watch is the answer -- but I do appreciate the recognition this article makes that diagnosis is currently inefficient and inaccurate.<p>The diagnosis problem exists for other mental health conditions too, but Autism is perhaps the worst example in the industry.

Discussed (a bit) at the time:<p><i>Autism Through the Eyes of a Computer</i> - <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;news.ycombinator.com&#x2F;item?id=20876988">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;news.ycombinator.com&#x2F;item?id=20876988</a> - Sept 2019 (6 comments)

Autism will end up being torn into independent diagnosis of correlated traits. There&#x27;s no underlying nexus between the list of symptoms beyond statistical correlation.<p>High IQ? ADHD? Bipolar? Eye sensitivity? Loneliness? It seems little is in common beyond correlations.