Improving Social Cognition and Error Monitoring in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Brain-Computer Interface with Reinforcement Learning

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are examining how a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) using Electroencephalography (EEG) can help improve social cognition and error monitoring in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study focuses on challenges in processing social information, such as recognizing facial expressions and joint attention, and aims to assess whether a gamified BCI intervention can enhance social skills, reduce anxiety, improve error monitoring, and increase motivation in participants with ASD. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group receives a gamified social cognition training called the Emotional Facial Expression Paradigm (EFP), where they observe facial expressions and interact with an intelligent agent that learns via reinforcement learning from the participant's brain signals. This intervention is delivered once a week for a minimum of three and up to six sessions. The control group completes a gamified executive function task involving a speller activity using a P300 EEG interface, also once weekly for three to six sessions. During the study, participants complete assessments at baseline and after treatment, including computerized attention tasks and anxiety scales. Error-monitoring changes are tracked during sessions using the EFP, and motivation is measured through questionnaires. The study lasts up to eight weeks, with each participant undergoing weekly sessions and evaluations. Safety and adherence are monitored throughout to evaluate the device's feasibility and effects on social cognition and anxiety in ASD.

BCI Training for Social Cognition and Error Monitoring in ASD