Autism researchers explore technology’s use in clinical therapy
Two teams of professors are working on creating augmented reality applications to help participants of the spectrum learn and practice safety and employment skills. A year ago, Alexandra Ramirez's 2-year-old patient refused to sit at a table and was unable to communicate his wishes and needs to the adults around him. He would get upset and cry when he needed something, and his family wondered desperately what exactly he wanted. The challenges seemed endless until his family found the University of Miami Intensive Behavioral Intervention Services (IBIS) clinic - - This serves children with developmental delays and those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder - and began therapy. These days, toddlers can point or tap on a picture board to communicate whatever they want. They begin to use some form of sign language to say the word "more" when they want extra food or