Optimal robot for intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

With recent rapid advances in technology, human-like robots have begun functioning in a variety of ways. As increasing anecdotal evidence suggests, robots may offer many unique opportunities for helping individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Individuals with ASD often achieve a higher degree of task engagement through the interaction with robots than through interactions with human trainees. The type and form of robots to be used for individuals with ASD have been meticulously considered. Simple robots and animal robots are acceptable because of their simplicity and the ease of interesting and engaging interactions. Android robots have the benefit of the potential of generalization into daily life to some extent. Considering the affinity between robots and users is important to draw out the potential capabilities of robotic intervention to the fullest extent. In the robotic condition, factors such as the appearance, biological motion, clothes, hairstyle, and disposition are important. Many factors of a user, such as age, sex, and IQ, may also affect the affinity of individuals with ASD toward a robot. The potential end-users of this technology may be unaware or unconvinced of the potential roles of robots in ASD interventions. If trainers have extensive experience in using robots, they can identify many potential roles of robots based on their experience. To date, only a few studies have been conducted in the field of robotics for providing assistance to individuals with ASD, and future studies are needed to realize an optimal robot for this purpose.

Special issue on technology and neuropsychological rehabilitation: Overview and reflections on ways to conduct future studies and support clinical practice.

In this editorial, we wish to highlight and reflect on research advances presented in the articles comprising this special issue on technology and neuropsychological rehabilitation, which happens to be published more than a decade after the first special issue on the subject. In 2004, the journal recognised the great potential of information technology for increasing the support provided to people with cognitive deficits, and published emerging state-of-the art practices in the field. Since that time, research and technology have made tremendous progress, and the influence of information technology on research methods has transformed the field of neurorehabilitation. The aim of this editorial is thus to shed light on methodological and conceptual issues requiring further attention from researchers and clinicians in the fields of neuropsychological rehabilitation and technology, and to stimulate debate on promising avenues in clinical research.

Use of a mobile device in mental health rehabilitation: A clinical and comprehensive analysis of 11 cases.

This study aimed to test the feasibility of using a mobile device (Apple technology: iPodTouch®, iPhone® or iPad®) among people with severe mental illness (SMI) in a rehabilitation and recovery process and to document the parameters to be taken into account and the issues involved in implementing this technology in living environments and mental health care settings. A qualitative multiple case study design and multiple data sources were used to understand each case in depth. A clinical and comprehensive analysis of 11 cases was conducted with exploratory and descriptive aims (and the beginnings of explanation building). The multiple-case analysis brought out four typical profiles to illustrate the extent of integration of a personal digital assistant (PDA) as a tool to support mental health rehabilitation and recovery. Each profile highlights four categories of variables identified as determining factors in this process: (1) state of health and related difficulties (cognitive or functional); (2) relationship between comfort level with technology, motivation and personal effort deployed; (3) relationship between support required and support received; and (4) the living environment and follow-up context. This study allowed us to consider the contexts and conditions to be put in place for the successful integration of mobile technology in a mental health rehabilitation and recovery process.

Promoting mental health recovery and improving clinical assessment using video technology.

TOPIC: Although individuals with medical problems (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) can monitor their symptoms using objective measures (e.g., blood glucose, blood pressure), objective measures are not typically used by individuals with psychotic disorders to monitor symptoms of mental illness. PURPOSE: To examine the benefits and limitations of the use of video self-observation for treatment of individuals with psychotic disorders. SOURCES USED: The authors reviewed studies examining video self-observation among individuals with severe mental illnesses. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Individuals with psychotic disorders who viewed videos of themselves while symptomatic reported some benefit to this approach, with 1 study showing sustained improvement in understanding of mental illness. Still, some individuals reported negative feelings about the process, and also attributed symptoms to stress or drug abuse rather than their psychotic disorder. The authors found no studies examining the potential for video self-observation as a strategy to improve clinical decision-making in the context of mental health care. Implications of this approach for mental health recovery and clinical practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record