The Application of AI as Reinforcement in the Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder. There is a tremendous variability in individuals with ASD; however, it is mainly characterized by social behavioral deficits. Across the globe, the prevalence of ASD is fairly consistent and the most current estimates are 1 in 59. There is no biological cure for people with ASD and intervention is widely accepted as the only solution for them to improve the quality of their lives. Among all the treatments, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has more quantity of evidence than other methods and it has more studies with the strongest levels of evidence. Using reinforcement is a vital and indispensable part of ABA. Many researches reveal that children with ASD are more likely to become interested in robots or other forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in fact AI is used in the intervention for children with ASD. The application of AI has been proven to be feasible and effective in the interventions. This essay aims at analyzing the effects of the application of AI as reinforcement in ABA and providing suggestions for application of AI in other aspects of ABA intervention. Hopefully this essay will be suggestive for the future application of AI in terms of assisting the intervention for children with ASD in order to reduce the workload and cost.