Uso de jogo e treinamento cognitivo via interface cérebro – computador por estudantes com transtorno do espectro autista (TEA)

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that involves a series of behavioral aspects. Individuals with ASD have atypical development in the areas of learning, communication, social interaction, detection and handling of emotions, motor coordination, concentration and may also have difficulty thinking flexibly and dealing with changes. With the advancement of information and communication technologies, an alternative used to assist in the treatment of these children is the brain-computer interface (BCI). In this context, this research aimed to create a mental game controlled via ICC that would enable the monitoring of brainwave behavior and promote an improvement in the cognitive performance of children with ASD. To this end, a mixed methods experimental approach study (quali-quantitative) was carried out with a sample consisting of 21 children aged 9 to 11 years. This sample was divided into two groups: experimental group (n=11) (group that would apply the tests with ICC) and control group (n=10) that were followed for a period of two months. The research was carried out in schools in the municipal network of Fortaleza. Initially, anamnesis was carried out through a semi-structured interview with the person responsible for each participant. Then, a neuropsychological test was applied to assess the child's cognitive level. Next, the experimental group (GE) children were subjected to the MemoTea game, which consists of memorizing images quickly, in order to develop and improve reasoning, by creating relationships between the image and the sequence of cards arranged. The game had 7 phases that covered hygiene and health. A BCI was used to train attention and working memory by monitoring brain waves. Participants underwent two sessions per week lasting 30 to 40 minutes, over a period of sixty days. In total, the students participated in 16 sessions, after which the neuropsychological test was reapplied with all 21 children. Cognitive gains were observed, especially in the EG participants, with cognitive improvements such as greater concentration, improved attention and logical reasoning, in addition to changes being observed in some aspects of personal hygiene in these children.