Technologies for autism: Tools, Trends and Testimonials

PARALLEL SESSIONS ABSTRACTS

Saturday 7th July 2012, Valencia

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	MAIN ROOM	ROOM 1	ROOM 2
09.00 - 11.15	ROBOTS	COMMUNICATION AND DAILY LIVING I	EDUCATION I
11.45 - 14.00	BODY INTERACTION AND MUSIC	COMMUNICATION AND DAILY LIVING II	PERSON-CENTRED APPROACHES AND PARENT-PROFESSIONAL COORDINATION
16.00 - 17:45	EDUCATION II	USERS AS DESIGNERS	UBIQUITOUS SUPPORTS
18.15 - 19.15	EDUCATION III	ACCESIBILITY TO COMPUTER DESKTOP AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT	BIO SIGNALS

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Key speakers

Michael Rutter

Sir Michael Rutter is the author of more than five hundred research papers, many of which are about autism. His work on Autism includes: early epidemiologic studies; studies involving a wide range of scientific techniques and disciplines, including DNA study and neuroimaging; links between research and practice; deprivation; the influence of families and schools; genetics; reading disorders; biological, social, protective and risk factors; interactions of biological and social factors; stress; longitudinal as well as epidemiologic studies, including childhood and adult experiences and conditions; continuity and discontinuity in normal and pathological development.

Click here to read his welcome interview.

Ami Klin, Ph.D. got his Ph.D. from the London University and completed his clinical research and post-doctoral fellowship at the Child Study Center at Yale University Medical Faculty (USA). He ran the Autism Program at the Yale Child Study Center until 2010, where he was also the Harris Professor of Child Psychology & Psychiatry. Ami Klin, Ph.D. is Chief of the Autism Disabilities and Developmental Division at Emory University Medical School, and is Director of the Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare in Atlanta.
Dr. Klin’s primary research activities focus on studies concerning aspects of the social mind and social abilities of autism from infancy to adulthood. These studies include the use of innovative technologies that allow researchers to see the world through the eyes of individuals with autism. Dr. Klin is the author of over 180 publications in the field of autism and related conditions.

James Cusack

Mr. James Cusack, a 26-year-old PhD student at Aberdeen University in Scotland, was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 12. He says his condition has helped define his work. His scientific career is young, but his research is promising

Click here to read his welcome interview.

john_lesieur

John LeSieur has been actively involved with technology for over 3 decades and spent over 12 years of that as a director for a company servicing major Canadian banks. He decided in 2006 that it was time to concentrate his energy on his life's mission which meant creating technology that would empower people from around the world. John brought to the market important innovations such as Zac Browser which was the first browser for children with autism and reached over 2.5 million users worldwide. John LeSieur, People CD’s President and CEO, understands the need for specially designed software for children on the autism spectrum, being a grandfather to two.

gallardo

Maria is and adolescent with autism, Miguel Gallardo is a renowned cartoonist, father of Maria. He began his professional career combining the comic (one of the authors of Makoki, a character and Spanish underground icon) and sketching, dedicating himself totally to the latter in the end. He is a habitual collaborator for the Vanguard newspaper and Publico as well as different magazines and publications with a national and international scope like the Herald Tribune, New York Times and the New Yorker. He published “Maria and I” in 2007, a graphical novel narrating the adventures and trips with his 13 year old daughter Maria who has autism. He is also the author of Maria´s journey, an animated short introducing autism available with subtitles in English French and Polish and on the Orange YouTube channel. At the moment, the short of `The Specialists´ is in its final stages and is centred on the abilities of people with autism which makes them so special.

Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee for this International Conference is composed of researchers in both the IT & autism area, experienced parents together with other people related to this field:

Sven Boelte – Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Matthew Goodwin – Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US.
Javier Guadilla - Autismo Burgos, Spain.
Gerardo Herrera – University of Valencia, Spain. (Chair)
María Merino – Autismo Burgos, Spain.
Richard Mills - NAS, UK.
Sarah Parsons – University of Southampton, UK.
Verónica Pensosi and Manuel Gimeno - Orange Foundation, Spain
Luis Perez de la Maza - Fundación Aucavi, Spain.
Patricia Pérez-Fuster - University of Valencia, Spain.
Cristina Rodríguez-Porrero Miret – CEPAT, Spain.
Borja Romero Salord – BJAdaptaciones, Spain.
Francisco Javier Soto - Comunidad de Murcia, Spain.
Andy Shih – Autism Speaks, UK. (Secretary)

Conference Theme

Increasingly, new technologies are part of our lives and are present in our homes and classrooms. In the field of functional diversity, technology is being used more frequently to build skills, communication and quality of life.

In relation to people with autism, a wide range of technological tools have been developed over the years with the observation that they offer a valuable aid. The appeal that computers offer and the visual information for people with autism, their predictable and sequential nature, possibility to customize applications to fit their individual needs... open a wide range of possibilities in order to work on aspects such as improved communication, social skills, task structuring, adapted leisure time, etc.

It is also true that there are many access barriers to the technology for professionals and families, as well as difficulties for developers in detecting needs (without duplication), dissemination and funding.

In this context International Conference Technologies for Autism: tools, trends and testimonies proposes an open forum with the exchange of ideas and opinions in which the parties involved (people with autism, families, professionals, researchers and developers) can discuss the technologies applied within the world of autism.

In particular, the Congress aims to promote the use of technology and overcome the existing obstacles. Therefore, it plans to investigate the use of new technologies in areas such as the following:

•Educational programs in the classroom. ilustración •Programs to promote skills (communication, generalization, etc.) that can improve the quality of life of people with autism.
•Use of the tools by family members or professionals: Testimonials and identification of the needs to cover.
•Adapted recreation.
•Programs for screening, diagnosis and early intervention.
•Research programs.
•Programs for parental and professional training and coordination between them.
•Accessibility for people with autism.
•Technological experiences in emerging countries.
•Developments and trends in this field.

And other experiences that we can discover together...

For the purposes of this Conference, we understand innovative technology as including the following: mobile phones, Virtual and augmented reality, robotics, smart phones and other portable devices such as digital tablets, person-computer technology (including natural interaction, eye tracking, etc.), Web technologies, positioning technologies, Electrophysiology technology, etc.

Those who wish to participate should send their contribution using the registration form before the indicated deadline.

Submission of Proposals

This Conference aims to be a forum of reference for people interested in technology and Autism, and which has a special interest in anybody who wishes to recount their experiences, they may send their applications to share with the other participants.
Due to this the Conference will devote two complete sessions to the presentation of the proposals received and selected by the Scientific Committee.
The proposals should be set in one of the following rooms:

•Room 1: The use in new technology by family members, teachers, or people with autism and their experiences.
•Room 2: Presentation of useful and innovative technological tools to improve the quality of life.
•Room 3: The future and new technological trends applied to autism: needs and obstacles to detect and overcome.

Applications which provide new elements in close cooperation with the themes of the conference will be of particular interest:

•Educational programs in the classroom.
•Programs to promote abilities (communication, generalization, etc.) aimed at improving the quality of life for people with autism.
•Use of the tools: Testimonials and identification of needs to cover.
•Adapted recreation.
•Programs for screening, diagnosis and early intervention.
•Research programmes.
•Programmes for parental and professional training, and coordination among them.
•Accessibility for people with autism.
•Technological experiences in emerging countries.
•Developments and trends in this field.

Contributions should be submitted in English, although the presentation at the Conference may also be conducted in Spanish. The receipt of contributions closes on March 10th 2012. A written summary of experience, the presentation of videos about the technology and its possible use will be valued.

Following selection by the Scientific Committee the successful candidates will be notified before April 12th, 2012. The organisation will only contact candidates selected.

The selection by the Committee will include the possibility of submitting the proposal in one of the parallel chambers with a duration to be determined and a free pass to the Congress.
Presentations may be made in English or Spanish, given that the Congress offers simultaneous translation in the both languages, people who wish to share their experiences can send in their submissions by clicking here.

Contributors Calendar

Contributions on Tools, Trends or Testimonials may be sent during the following period:

•15th January 2012: Period of admission for candidature opens.
•10th March 2012: Admission period closes.
•12th April 2012: Communication of contribution acceptance by the Scientific Committee.
•16th April 2012: Final Program Available including presentations in the parallel rooms.

Final Program

Download the PDF with the Final Program Here.

The conference will be available in Spanish-English and English-Spanish with simultaneous translation in all the parallel and plenary room.

6th July, Friday

Session 1: CONFERENCE INAUGURATION

15.00-16.00: Accreditation

16.00-16.45: Opening Ceremony

16:45-18:00: Opening speech by Sir Michael Rutter

18:00-18.15: Questions and answers

BREAK (30 minutes)

18:45-20:15 ROUND TABLE “What are the challenges of IT applied to ASD?”

Moderated by Manuel Gimeno General Manager of the Orange Foundation
This round table will have an open dialogue among several parties involved in the design and use of new IT technology: parents, professionals, developers and IT companies.
Participants:
-    Luis Pérez de la Maza, educator and manager of AUCAVI Foundation
-    Miguel Gallardo, graphic artist and father of a girl with autism
-    Gerardo Herrera, researcher at the Autism & IT group of the University of Valencia, brother of a woman with autism
-    Borja Romero Salord, Manager of BJ Adaptaciones.

20:15-20:30 Release of the animated short film "Specialists Academy", by Miguel Gallardo

7th July, Saturday

Morning. Session 2: COMMUNICATIONS

In the following tables, ALL the accepted communications are focused on ASD and IT.

Click over the blue links to find extended information about sessions.

MAIN ROOM

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

ROBOTS

COMMUNICATION AND DAILY LIVING I

EDUCATION I

09:00 – 9:30

Trends and future of social robots for ASD therapies: potential and limits in interaction

Simut & collaborators. Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

CPA Communicator,

Velasco, Muñoz & Cruces. Spain

I Read with Lula: software for teaching reading to people with ASD. Muñino & Montero, Spain

09:30 – 10:00

Identifying Situation-based Emotions using the Social Robot Probo: A case study.

Pop & collaborators. Babes-Bolyai University. Romania

e-Mintza Communicator

Basurco & collaborators. F.Carlos Elosegui and Gautena, Spain

ASC-Inclusion (to teach emotions and facial expressions) and FIRST (to simplify text and documents)

Baranger & Sullings, Autism Europe. Belgium

:00 – 10:30

Exploratory Study: Children's with Autism Awareness of Being Imitated by Nao Robot.

Peca & collaborators. Babeş-Bolyai University. Romania

Comparative Study of Communicators.

Martín, Matilla & Pérez de la Maza. AUCAVI Foundation, Spain.

Click-East: Teaching Social Attention Skills using an iPad App.

Fletcher-Watson, McConachie, O’Hare, Pain & Hammond. University of Edinburgh, UK

10:30 – 11:15

NAO, “the humanoid robot had a dream: an online solution to help teachers”,

Joubert. Aldebaran Robotics, France

ZAC PICTO: virtual assistance,

LeSieur. People CD, USA

How technology is advancing assessment and treatment.

Saulnier, Marcus Autism Center, USA

(11:15 – 11:45) BREAK & POSTERS

Click over the blue links to find extended information about sessions.

MAIN ROOM

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

BODY INTERACTION AND MUSIC

COMMUNICATION AND DAILY LIVING II

PERSON-CENTRED APPROACHES AND PARENT-PROFESSIONAL COORDINATION

11.45 – 12.15

Real-Time Full-Body Interaction System and Music Therapy.

Mora & Parés. Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain

AZAHAR mobile platform for communication and leisure.

Navarro & collaborators. University of Valencia and Orange Foundation. Spain

Relate to Autism: online parent tools.

Houghton. Ilumivu, USA

12:15 – 12:45

AUTINECT - Helping children acquire social skills through virtual peers.

Agarwal, Institute of Information Technology, India

Using Grace App to prompt and develop independent communication while reducing frustration and replacing inappropriate behavior.

Dominican, Grace App, UK

Network autism: where autism professionals connect .

Swindells & Povey. National Autistic Society ,UK

12:45 – 13:15

SAVIA Project: learning to learn and referential communication videogames.

Ruiz & collaborators. INDRA, Spain

eLIGE (SELEC)T: software application support for temporal structuring.

Hortigüela & Lancho, Autismo Burgos, Spain

A patient-centric model for the remote management, treatment and rehabilitation of autistic children.

Bonfiglio & collaboratos. BARCO Company, Italy

13:15 – 14:00

Pictogram Room. Videogames for body schema, communication and imitation.

Herrera & collaborators, University of Valencia & Orange Foundation, Spain

ARASAAC: Communication pictographic system under Creative Commons License,

Romero & Marcos. CATEDU, Spain

Supportiveeyes.org. PCP training and group management.

Sevilla & collaborators, Adapta Foundation, Spain

Afternoon Session 3: COMMUNICATIONS II

Click over the blue links to find extended information about sessions.

MAIN ROOM

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

EDUCATION II

USERS AS DESIGNERS

UBIQUITOUS SUPPORTS

16:00 – 16:30

COSPATIAL project: Collaborative Technologies for supporting social conversation and collaboration in the classroom.

Parsons & Collaborators. University of Southampton. UK

Users becoming designers.

Pino, Apna, Spain.

Autismcare 2.0,

Dr. Leo Kannerhuis.TheNetherlands

16:30 – 17:00

Acquisition of Social Abilities Through Musical Tangible User Interface: Reactable.

Villafuerte, Markova & Jordà.Music Technology Group. Universitat Pompeu Fabra,Spain

Testimonial about the Use of IT by a parent, professional and a person with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Meiring & Pillay. AQUA School,Southafrica

AURA: Augmented Reality for Autonomous Performance.

Merlat,Argentina

17:00 – 17:45

Shaping the future of educational technologies today: from prototypes to practice.

Guldberg and collaborators. University of Birmingham, UK

Demonstrating a computer-based mathematics tutor specifically designed for learners with autism spectrum disorder.

Brosnan & collaborators. University of Bath, UK.

AgileAssyst Cognitive Support System

Williamson, The University of Memphis.USA

(17:45 – 18:15) BREAK & POSTERS

Click over the blue links to find extended information about sessions.

MAIN ROOM

ROOM 1

ROOM 2

EDUCATION III

ACCESIBILITY TO COMPUTER DESKTOP AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

BIO SIGNALS

18.15 – 18.45

FOLLOW ME: Software for stimulating people with low-functioning autism.

Rodríguez & collaborators,University of Granada, Spain

In-Tic: Desktop Accesibility

Groba & Nieto. A Coruña Univesity. Spain

Development of a semi-naturalistic QEEG guided neurofeedback protocol for treatment of young autistic children.

Billeci & collaborators.

National Council of Research (CNR), Pisa, Italy

18:45 – 19:15

Testimonial of using educational software at a School.

Casanova. Juan Martos Centre. Spain

QR codes for all.

Romero. BJ Adaptaciones. Spain

Wearable and Mobile Realtime Biometric Monitoring System.

Houghton. Ilumivu, USA

20.00 Open cinema session: Film "Maria y yo" ("Mary and I")

8th July, Sunday

Session 4: LAST SESSION AND CLOSURE

9.30-11.00 An address by Dr. Ami Klin “Trends and the future of IT when applied to autism research”

11.00-11.45 Address by John LeSieur: "My life as a computer scientist after having a grandson with autism"

BREAK (30 minutes)

12.15-12.45 Conclusions of the 1st IT ASD Conference, by Gerardo Herrera

12.45- 14.00 Closing speech by James Cusack: “Bringing technology into the study of Autism: a personal journey”. Introduced by Simon Wallace

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