PhD Study : Neuro Sense: serious games for in-situ autism assessment

Summary

This research will investigate pervasive technologies that are able to support the accurate and objective assessment of symptoms known to be associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Within the UK and Ireland, the processes for diagnosing ASD are lengthy and compounded by significant waiting times for screening, which delay treatment and ultimately affect outcomes. One reason for such delays is the lack of a scientifically objective, reliable and valid assessment (Fombonne, 2018).

From a research and clinical perspective, the Mirror Neuron Dysfunction theory of ASD provides a robust basis for the development of objective Neuropsychological tests that are correlated with a diagnosis of ASD (Brighenti et al., 2018; Hamilton, 2013; Ramachandran et al., 2006). Research has suggested that Mirror Neurons support abilities such as empathy and the perception of another individuals intentions and as such presents an interesting focal point for assessment in ASD.

These assessments are traditionally conducted within clinical settings, using paper-based tools or basic computerised tests to capture data points surrounding attention, problem solving, memory, language, I.Q., visual-spatial skills, academic skills, and socio-emotional functioning (Lezak et al., 2012). Pervasive sensing technologies offer a novel perspective to this clinical domain. We postulate that neuropsychological deficits correlated with ASD can be more effectively assessed with passive sensor technologies, capable of measuring patterns of movement, gaze, behaviours, speech, facial expressions and responses to neuropsychological test stimuli, particularly when integrated with rich interactive assessment tools such as Serious Game environments (Jouen, A-L., 2017).

This project will seek to validate:

(a) the design of a serious game environment as a replacement for existing paper-based approaches to assessment;

(b) the capture and synchronisation of key metrics from both behavioural and physiological perspectives;

(c) the application of machine learning methods to explore patterns that may be present within data collected from case and control groups.

This research plans to ultilise a new collaboration with Psychology clinicians in the Republic of Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) Child Development Team, based in County Cavan. The proposal fits with the University’s strategic theme of Healthy Communities and closely aligns with the Pervasive Computing Research Group, focusing upon research within the areas of Behaviour Analysis and Affective Computing. The project benefits from access to a range of existing pervasive and wearable sensing technologies and from a potential pilot site, in Cavan.

The supervisory team has expertise and experience in both the theory surrounding the work and its application to support people on the autism spectrum. Brighenti, et al. (2018). Neuropsychological aspects of Asperger Syndrome in adults: A review. Neuropsychological Trends, 63-95. Fombonne, E. (2018). Editorial: The rising prevalence of autism. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59(7), 717-720. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12941 Hamilton, A. (2013). Reflecting on the mirror neuron system in autism: A systematic review of current theories. Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, 3, 91-105. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dcn.2012.09.008 Ramachandran, V., & Oberman, L. (2006). Broken Mirrors: A Theory of Autism. Scientific American, 295, 62-69. doi:10.1038/scientificamerican1106-62 Jouen, A-L et al. (2017) GOLIAH (Gaming Open Library for Intervention in Autism at Home): a 6-month single blind matched controlled exploratory study. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 11(17).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Applicants will be shortlisted if they have an average of 75% or greater in a first (honours) degree (or a GPA of 8.75/10). For applicants with a first degree average in the range of 70% to 74% (GPA 3.3): If they are undertaking an Masters, then the average of their first degree marks and their Masters marks will be used for shortlisting.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living