Eye-Gaze Control Technology as Early Intervention for a Non-Verbal Young Child with High Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Assistive technology (AT) can be used as early intervention in order to reduce activity limitations in play and communication. This longitudinal case study examines eye-gaze control technology as early intervention for a young child with high spinal cord injury without the ability to make sounds. The young child was followed by repeated measures concerning performance and communication from baseline at 9 months to 26 months, and finalized at 36 months by field observations in the home setting. The results showed eye-gaze performance and frequency of use of eye-gaze control technology increased over time. Goals set at 15 months concerning learning and using the AT; naming objects and interactions with family was successfully completed at 26 months. Communicative functions regarding obtaining objects and social interaction increased from unintentional actions to purposeful choices and interactions. At 36 months, the toddler was partly independent in eye gazing, used all activities provided, and made independent choices. In conclusion, the results show that a 9-month-old child with profound motor disabilities can benefit from eye-gaze control technology in order to gradually perform activities, socially interact with family members, and make choices.

The Impact of Eye-gaze Controlled Computer on Communication and Functional Independence in Children and Young People with Complex Needs – A Multicenter Intervention Study

“…1 Qualitative studies and cases studies have found that an EGCC could be a realistic option for children with complex needs. [9][10][11][12][13][14] Parents have reported that EGCCs provided children with opportunities to demonstrate agency; they could initiate communication and express basic needs, such as thirst and pain. The EGCCs also helped children to express their personality by providing opportunities to make choices and show selfdetermination.…”

The psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology on everyday life of children and adults

“…Adults are supposed to be independent and efficient. Just as all children need to explore and learn activities at younger ages, research shows that children with severe disabilities that use EGAT need opportunities in everyday life to explore activities, and demonstrate competencies [ 5 , 11 ] and gaining experiences of eye-gaze performance [ 29 , 30 ] before effectively and independently managing activities of daily living. In addition, gradually becoming more independent is part of development and personal growth for all children [ 31 ].…”

Preliminary testing of eye gaze interfaces for controlling a haptic system intended to support play in children with physical impairments: Attentive versus explicit interfaces

“…Figure 3 illustrates how each dwell-spot on the eye tracker corresponded to each mole. The design of this interface was based on the literature of explicit eye gaze interfaces, where all studies with children [11][12][13][14][15][16][17] included a computer screen. In this study, the eye tracker itself played the role of the screen with dwell-spots.…”

“… 12 Children as young as 9 months of age were capable of dwelling their gaze on a target to select it with about 80% success rate, and the rate improve to 100% at 11 months. 13 However, the performance on that task cannot generalize to more complex tasks that include multiple objects.…”