These wristbands might be able to predict seizures

There are some great researchers looking at technology and how it can be used to benefit those living with autism. Matt Goodwin is one of them, and I had the opportunity to hear him speak at the Autism New Jersey conference last year.

Dr. Goodwin’s name popped up recently after he and his colleague Dr. Rosalind Picard delivered a presentation for KiDA’s Innovation Series. KiDA stands for Kids Institute for Development & Advancement, and it is a center for treatment of Children with autism in Orange County.

Their presentation was titled Advances in Personalized Technology for Autism, Emotion, Sleep and Seizures and it highlighted a new technology: “wireless wristbands whose sensors measure the electricity being conducted through the skin to determine the state of the sympathetic nervous system, which controls the fight-or-flight response in humans.” It’s true these wristbands were able to assess emotional stress and arousal, but there was another benefit: the wristbands showed signs of being able to predict seizures.

Many individuals with autism have seizures, and being able to predict them would certainly be a bonus.

Technology makes everybody’s life easier. It is great to hear that technology is improving the lives of people with autism too.


 

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  1. Brenda Burleson Says:

    Hello, My 14 yr old daughter started having seizures 1 year ago. She is now seeing a specialist and taking medicine to help in preventing and regulating them although we do not know why they have started. My husband and I are looking for monitoring devices to aid in notifying us of possible seizure activities while she is sleeping. If you could inform us of any recommended technological devices that will possibly provide assistance it would be greatly appreciated.
    Thank you,
    Brenda Burleson
    ph. 256-762-8239