Differentiation of Stress Response in Children with Autism
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) process stressors differently than children with neurotypical development and have a poor response to stress. Furthermore, it is not clear if children with ASD are able to regulate appropriately in order to bounce back from a stressful experience. As such this study appraised results from big data in order to examine the stress response of children with neurotypical development compared to children with ASD. Data from a previous study in which neurotypical children and children with ASD were recruited from public events and from educational programs were analyzed using machine learning methods as a foundation to design this study. The study design incorporated eyetracking data collected on a group of children with ASD and a control group. The pilot testing of this study design reveals that children with ASD may have poorer stress response and this response can be captured using eye-tracking measures. Observations of imaging and video data point to a clear distinction in facial expression, eye-movement, and body language between children with ASD compared to the control group. It is therefore important for researchers to consider the implications of robust study designs with the appropriate instruments applicable to that population.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Gesulla Cavanaugh
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
Differentiation of Stress Response in Children with Autism
Alvin Sherman Library
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) process stressors differently than children with neurotypical development and have a poor response to stress. Furthermore, it is not clear if children with ASD are able to regulate appropriately in order to bounce back from a stressful experience. As such this study appraised results from big data in order to examine the stress response of children with neurotypical development compared to children with ASD. Data from a previous study in which neurotypical children and children with ASD were recruited from public events and from educational programs were analyzed using machine learning methods as a foundation to design this study. The study design incorporated eyetracking data collected on a group of children with ASD and a control group. The pilot testing of this study design reveals that children with ASD may have poorer stress response and this response can be captured using eye-tracking measures. Observations of imaging and video data point to a clear distinction in facial expression, eye-movement, and body language between children with ASD compared to the control group. It is therefore important for researchers to consider the implications of robust study designs with the appropriate instruments applicable to that population.
