Computer vision in autism spectrum disorder research: a systematic review of published studies from 2009 to 2019

Abstract The current state of computer vision methods applied to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research has not been well established. Increasing evidence suggests that computer vision techniques have a strong impact on autism research. The primary objective of this systematic review is to examine how computer vision analysis has been useful in ASD diagnosis, therapy and autism research in general. A systematic review of publications indexed on PubMed, IEEE Xplore and ACM Digital Library was conducted from 2009 to 2019. Search terms included [‘autis*’ AND (‘computer vision’ OR ‘behavio* imaging’ OR ‘behavio* analysis’ OR ‘affective computing’)]. Results are reported according to PRISMA statement. A total of 94 studies are included in the analysis. Eligible papers are categorised based on the potential biological/behavioural markers quantified in each study. Then, different computer vision approaches that were employed in the included papers are described. Different publicly available datasets are also reviewed in order to rapidly familiarise researchers with datasets applicable to their field and to accelerate both new behavioural and technological work on autism research. Finally, future research directions are outlined. The findings in this review suggest that computer vision analysis is useful for the quantification of behavioural/biological markers which can further lead to a more objective analysis in autism research.

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Antenatal ultrasound value in risk calculation for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A systematic review to support future research

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews ◽

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.016 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 92 ◽

pp. 83-92

Author(s):

Francesca Fulceri ◽

Andrea Guzzetta ◽

Argyro Athanasiadou ◽

Laura Iaconianni ◽

Maria Luisa Scattoni

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Risk Calculation ◽

Antenatal Ultrasound

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A Systematic Review of Effects of Social Stories Interventions for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1177/1088357615613516 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 33 (1) ◽

pp. 25-34 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Cathy H. Qi ◽

Erin E. Barton ◽

Margo Collier ◽

Yi-Ling Lin ◽

Charisse Montoya

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Visual Analysis ◽

Causal Relation ◽

Single Case ◽

Social Stories ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Design Standards

The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize 22 single-case research design (SCRD) studies on social stories intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We used the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) SCRD standards to analyze study rigor and evidence of a causal relation. We calculated four nonoverlap indices to evaluate intervention, maintenance, and generalization effects. Results suggested that all studies met the WWC design standards with or without reservations. Seven studies (32%) provided strong or moderate evidence of a causal relation. Nonoverlap indices calculations indicated social stories intervention was effective. Using the WWC 5-3-20 guidelines to determine evidence of social stories, social stories intervention would not be considered an evidence-based practice (EBP) for individuals with ASD based on visual analysis, but would be deemed an EBP based on nonoverlap indices. It is worth noting that WWC used visual analysis, not nonoveralap indices, to determine whether an intervention meets the 5-3-20 replication rule. Findings of the systematic review showed there were discrepancies. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.

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A Systematic Review of Law Enforcement Training Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder

Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1177/1088357620922152 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 35 (4) ◽

pp. 221-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kirsten S. Railey ◽

Abigail M. A. Love ◽

Jonathan M. Campbell

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Law Enforcement ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Law Enforcement Training ◽

Training Format ◽

Effectiveness Of Training ◽

Meta Analyses

Although research confirms the effectiveness of training to improve law enforcement officers’ (LEOs) awareness and knowledge of people with intellectual disability and learning disabilities, review of the efficacy of autism-specific law enforcement training is needed. To provide up-to-date information regarding training for LEOs related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a systematic review of the literature was conducted. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Protocols (PRISMA), we conducted a search of 13 professional databases and 28 journals using search terms related to both ASD and law enforcement training. From 606 articles identified during the initial search, only two articles met inclusion criteria, which suggests that limited research exists that explores ASD and law enforcement training. Included studies were summarized in terms of participants as well as training format, content, and outcomes. Limitations of the current literature, directions for future research, and current implications for practice are discussed.

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Morality in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579419001160 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 1069-1085

Author(s):

E. E. Dempsey ◽

C. Moore ◽

S. A. Johnson ◽

S. H. Stewart ◽

I. M. Smith

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Decision Making ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Moral Development ◽

Interpersonal Relationships ◽

Critical Evaluation ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Moral Decision Making

AbstractMoral reasoning and decision making help guide behavior and facilitate interpersonal relationships. Accounts of morality that position commonsense psychology as the foundation of moral development, (i.e., rationalist theories) have dominated research in morality in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Given the well-documented differences in commonsense psychology among autistic individuals, researchers have investigated whether the development and execution of moral judgement and reasoning differs in this population compared with neurotypical individuals. In light of the diverse findings of investigations of moral development and reasoning in ASD, a summation and critical evaluation of the literature could help make sense of what is known about this important social-cognitive skill in ASD. To that end, we conducted a systematic review of the literature investigating moral decision making among autistic children and adults. Our search identified 29 studies. In this review, we synthesize the research in the area and provide suggestions for future research. Such research could include the application of an alternative theoretical framework to studying morality in autism spectrum disorder that does not assume a deficits-based perspective.

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Employment programmes and interventions targeting adults with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of the literature

Autism ◽

10.1177/1362361316661855 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 21 (8) ◽

pp. 929-941 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Darren Hedley ◽

Mirko Uljarević ◽

Lauren Cameron ◽

Santoshi Halder ◽

Amanda Richdale ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Family System ◽

Small Sample Size ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Small Sample ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

The Impact

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder face significant challenges entering the workforce; yet research in this area is limited and the issues are poorly understood. In this systematic review, empirical peer-reviewed studies on employment programmes, interventions and employment-related outcomes in individuals with autism spectrum disorder over 18 years with and without intellectual disability were identified and evaluated. The review was prefaced by a summary of previous systematic reviews in the area. Web of Science, Medline, PsychINFO, ERIC and Scopus databases were systematically searched through to October 2015. From 32,829 records identified in the initial search, 10 review and 50 empirical articles, comprising N = 58,134 individuals with autism spectrum disorder, were included in the review. Selected articles were organised into the following themes: employment experiences, employment as a primary outcome, development of workplace skills, non-employment-related outcomes, assessment instruments, employer-focused and economic impact. Empirical studies were limited by poor participant characterisation, small sample size and/or a lack of randomisation and use of appropriate controls. Poor conceptualisation and measurement of outcomes significantly limited study quality and interpretation. Future research will require a multidisciplinary and multifaceted approach to explore employment outcomes on the individual, the family system, co-workers and the employer, along with the impact of individual differences on outcome.

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A systematic review of molecular imaging (PET and SPECT) in autism spectrum disorder: Current state and future research opportunities

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews ◽

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.02.002 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 52 ◽

pp. 56-73 ◽

Cited By ~ 40

Author(s):

Nicole R. Zürcher ◽

Anisha Bhanot ◽

Christopher J. McDougle ◽

Jacob M. Hooker

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Molecular Imaging ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Future Research ◽

Research Opportunities ◽

Current State

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Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in all Individuals Diagnosed with Down Syndrome (DS): A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocol

10.21203/rs.3.rs-1171029/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Judy Seesahai ◽

Paige Church ◽

Lina Patel ◽

Thomas Rotter ◽

Elizabeth Asztalos ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Down Syndrome ◽

Prevalence Rate ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Diagnostic Tools ◽

Future Research

Abstract BACKGROUNDTraditionally, autism spectrum disorder in people with Down syndrome was believed to be uncommon. This misconception is rooted in the challenges that a dual diagnosis poses. In fact, evidence indicates that children with Down syndrome are at risk for autism spectrum disorder with a potentially higher prevalence than the typically developing population. The purpose of this review is to determine the reported prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome in comparison to the prevalence rate of autism spectrum disorder in the typical population when specific diagnostic tools are used. METHODSWe will conduct a systematic review of the prevalence and incidence data and perform a meta-analysis on these results. This study will consider all studies that reported on children and adults with an existing diagnosis of Down syndrome and diagnosed by the standardized assessments for autism spectrum disorder. We will also consider the diagnoses made by team assessment (psychologist, psychiatrist & developmental pediatrician), according to DSM-III, DSM-IV or DSM-V criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorder or if they use autism spectrum disorder screeners. Studies will be considered from all countries that have data reporting prevalence on this topic. We will not apply language restrictions, attempting to translate studies that are not in English. We will search five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL). Two reviewers will conduct all screening and data extraction independently. The articles will be categorized according to key findings and a critical appraisal performed.DISCUSSIONThe results of this review will bring increased awareness of the presence of autism spectrum disorder in individuals with Down syndrome. In doing so, this may facilitate a recommendation for screening and diagnosis for autism spectrum disorder in all individuals with Down syndrome. Based on the research demonstrating the benefits of early identification and intervention on the outcomes of children with autism, we anticipate similar benefits in this population. This will guide the allocation of resources and direct future research.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATIONWe registerd the review title prospectively on PROSPERO on November 8, 2021. Registration number: CRD42020213282

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The Contribution of Machine Learning and Eye-Tracking Technology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Research: A Systematic Review

Electronics ◽

10.3390/electronics10232982 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (23) ◽

pp. 2982

Author(s):

Konstantinos-Filippos Kollias ◽

Christine K. Syriopoulou-Delli ◽

Panagiotis Sarigiannidis ◽

George F. Fragulis

Keyword(s):

Machine Learning ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Assessment Tools ◽

Future Research ◽

Promising Tool ◽

Tracking Technology

Early and objective autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment, as well as early intervention are particularly important and may have long term benefits in the lives of ASD people. ASD assessment relies on subjective rather on objective criteria, whereas advances in research point to up-to-date procedures for early ASD assessment comprising eye-tracking technology, machine learning, as well as other assessment tools. This systematic review, the first to our knowledge of its kind, provides a comprehensive discussion of 30 studies irrespective of the stimuli/tasks and dataset used, the algorithms applied, the eye-tracking tools utilised and their goals. Evidence indicates that the combination of machine learning and eye-tracking technology could be considered a promising tool in autism research regarding early and objective diagnosis. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also presented.

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Parent Education in Studies With Nonverbal and Minimally Verbal Participants With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2019_ajslp-19-00007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 890-902

Author(s):

Lynn Kern Koegel ◽

Katherine M. Bryan ◽

Pumpki Lei Su ◽

Mohini Vaidya ◽

Stephen Camarata

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Parent Education ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Verbal Communication ◽

Fidelity Of Implementation ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Education Programs ◽

Minimally Verbal ◽

Parent Education Programs

Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to identify parent education procedures implemented in intervention studies focused on expressive verbal communication for nonverbal (NV) or minimally verbal (MV) children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parent education has been shown to be an essential component in the habilitation of individuals with ASD. Parents of individuals with ASD who are NV or MV may particularly benefit from parent education in order to provide opportunities for communication and to support their children across the life span. Method ProQuest databases were searched between the years of 1960 and 2018 to identify articles that targeted verbal communication in MV and NV individuals with ASD. A total of 1,231 were evaluated to assess whether parent education was implemented. We found 36 studies that included a parent education component. These were reviewed with regard to (a) the number of participants and participants' ages, (b) the parent education program provided, (c) the format of the parent education, (d) the duration of the parent education, (e) the measurement of parent education, and (f) the parent fidelity of implementation scores. Results The results of this analysis showed that very few studies have included a parent education component, descriptions of the parent education programs are unclear in most studies, and few studies have scored the parents' implementation of the intervention. Conclusions Currently, there is great variability in parent education programs in regard to participant age, hours provided, fidelity of implementation, format of parent education, and type of treatment used. Suggestions are made to provide both a more comprehensive description and consistent measurement of parent education programs.

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