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How Biometric wristbands could help those with severe autism

AGXStarseed

Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)

A wristband which can signal when someone with autism is experiencing severe anxiety before it triggers dramatic changes in behavior is being trialled in the UK for the first time.

It looks just like a watch and works like a fitness tracker to monitor minute physiological changes in the body.

It's hoped this could transform the lives of people with acute autism - who may be non-verbal.

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The device is worn around the wrist just like a fitness tracker - and can provide important information to carers. Credit: ITV News

What we're hoping is that many people who are autistic or non-verbal, the only way they can show us that they're anxious or distressed is through behaviours. Those behaviours are quite often distressing for them or those around them.

What we're hoping this technology will show us is really good indications of when people are becoming anxious so we can intervene and provide them with some reassurance and strategies to reduce their anxiety before it gets to crisis behaviours.

– ROBIN BUSH, AUTISM TOGETHER​

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David is one of those using the wristbands - and his carers hope it could be a big step forward in their communication. Credit: ITV News


The device costs £1000. At the moment, the charity Autism Together has three - but would like to add five more to a trial.

Andy Bonner's been finding out more.



Source: How Biometric wristbands could help those with severe autism

Related: Biometric technology could be the future of autism care
 
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Sounds good in theory. I suppose my only concern would be whether there may be a propensity of some to preemptively experience meltdowns or shutdowns simply on the basis of what their wristband device may imply at any time. o_O
 
I also worry the wristbands could be uncomfortable and that could cause meltdowns or shutdowns too. I myself never wear bracelets because they are too uncomfortable.
 
My Apple Watch helped me realize I was experiencing too much stress and anxiety from work, showing bouts of tachycardia on Sunday night and on my commute.
 
I could use something like that to let me know when I have hit my limits because sometimes other people notice before I do. Of course even when I realize first it's often later than I'd like. As long as the device is comfy, though @Butterfly88 because I am the same way with most bracelets. Never could wear a watch. And cheaper. Why so high????

@Bolletje Tell me about your watch. How does it work? I am not a tech person or a watch wearer so I am not familiar with that sorta watch.
 
I could use something like that to let me know when I have hit my limits because sometimes other people notice before I do. Of course even when I realize first it's often later than I'd like. As long as the device is comfy, though @Butterfly88 because I am the same way with most bracelets. Never could wear a watch. And cheaper. Why so high????

@Bolletje Tell me about your watch. How does it work? I am not a tech person or a watch wearer so I am not familiar with that sorta watch.
It measures my heart rate at set intervals and with an app on my iPhone I can look at how my heart rate compares to my usual heart rate, and what kind of outliers there are. My watch does more than that, but I really like this feature.
 

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