Using Wearable Biosensor Technology in Behavioral Assessment for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities Who Experience Anxiety

Abstract

Objectives The purpose of this paper is to describe a behavioral assessment process that involved the use of interviews, direct observation, and wearable physiological biosensor technology to measure stress-related behaviors and responses of five young adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disabilities (ID) in a community-based transition program. Methods The research team conducted a pre-assessment/screening phase using direct observation and wearable biomarker technology (i.e., Spire Stone) to identify potential environmental conditions and/or activities associated with tension or stress during daily routines of students nominated for participation. Information from the screening phase was then used to conduct further targeted assessments for participants who demonstrated higher levels of anxiety/stress. Results Results of the pre-assessment/screening phase indicated that only two of five participants demonstrated anxiety-related behaviors and/or internal physiological stress responses as measured by wearable biomarker technology. The research team then conducted targeted observations of the two participants who demonstrated increased tension and/or stress responses under specific environmental conditions. The second phase of the assessment process identified bus riding during community-based instruction as anxiety producing for one participant and transfers to and from a positioning table for the other participant. Conclusions Wearable physiological biomarker technology can be a useful and complementary tool when conducting behavioral assessments, particularly for individuals with limited verbal repertoires. Information obtained from these devices can assist in identifying internal tension, and/or anxiety-related responses and identify environmental conditions that may elicit those responses. This information can then be used to inform and develop interventions.