Establishing an EEG-based protocol, for in-clinic BCI, in complex behavioural needs children diagnosed with ASD

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a method to measure brain activity. It can be used to detect atypical brain development. Research has shown that EEG can be used as a clinical tool to detect early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (Bosl et al., 2018). However, measuring EEG in children diagnosed with ASD turns out to be difficult. This is due to children that are diagnosed with ASD experience anxiety or distress, agitation, and sensory sensitivities towards the EEG. This might be related to the cap being used, or, more generally, to the entire process, which is new and perhaps frightening. This limits the use of EEG to measure the brain activity of children diagnosed with ASD. Consequently, this limits the discovery of the underlying mechanisms of ASD. By untangling the process of ASD development, researchers might find a way to prevent it, solve it, or find ways to help the symptoms.
Therefore, since EEG seems a promising measure, it is important for children diagnosed with ASD to tolerate EEG measurements. This current project aims at establishing an EEG-based protocol in which children diagnosed with ASD become desensitised and will tolerate EEG more easily.

Faculty Supervisor:

Amedeo D'Angiulli

Student:

Partner:

Radboudumc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

Carleton University

Program: