A team of researchers from the Brain Research Center at Universidad Veracruzana (UV) is using a web application, robotic arm, robot and Mozart piece to enhance the quality of life for minors diagnosed with autism. The team’s focus is on utilizing therapies and enriched environments before resorting to medication.
Anllely Grizzet Gutiérrez Rodríguez, a specialist in neurobiology of autism, explained that autism is a neurobiological disorder that presents itself in childhood, characterized by communication and social interaction difficulties, as well as restrictive and repetitive interests. While there is no cure for autism spectrum disorder and no medications to eradicate it, the UV team aims to make the brain connections of autistic individuals more closely resemble those of neurotypical persons through therapy and enriched environments.
The Reading-Writing in Autism (LEA) web application has been developed by the team to stimulate reading and writing skills in individuals with autism. The application consists of eight sections focusing on different aspects and includes exercises of varying complexity to enhance skills. Additionally, controlled stimulation with Mozart’s Sonata for piano has been used to reduce cardiorespiratory parameters associated with anxiety in children with autism.
Furthermore, a robot has been introduced into a special classroom to increase attention spans in children with autism. By recording the children’s movements and analyzing their attention to the robot, the team observed an increase in attention time with periodic stimulation. The team is also working on stimulating facial muscles in individuals with autism to improve their expressions using a robotic arm. Researchers are conducting various studies to enhance the lives of individuals with autism through innovative tools and therapies.
Overall, this UV team’s approach towards improving the quality of life for minors diagnosed with autism is commendable as they are focusing on utilizing non-invasive methods before resorting to medication which can have side effects on these individuals. Their use of cutting edge technology such as web applications, robots and Mozart pieces showcases their dedication towards finding innovative solutions for this condition that affects many people worldwide.
