Assessment of Characteristics of Students with Asperger Syndrome and the Evaluation of the Mind Reading Computer Software on the Emotion Recognition Ability of Students with Asperger Syndrome
Brenda Smith Myles, PhD
Department of Special Education
University of Kansas
The purpose of the proposed project is twofold: a) to identify the multi-faceted characteristics of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) (Phase I) and b) to investigate the abilities of participants to learn to recognize emotions using a computer software program, Mind Reading program CD/DVD version 1.0 (Phase II) (Baron-Cohen, 2004.) Ninety students with AS and 30 neurotypical peers (Phase II only) between the ages of 8 and 11 will participate in the proposed study.
The first phase of this study is designed to develop a better understanding of AS. Specifically, this phase of the study will examine the following characteristics of children with AS: a) AS severity, b) family and student demographics, c) social/emotional profile, d) systemizing and empathizing ability, e) temperament, f) cognition, and g) adaptive behavior.
During Phase II the researcher will investigate the abilities of participants to learn to recognize emotions using a computer software program, Mind Reading Program CD/DVD version 1.0 (Baron-Cohen, 2004.) Since no studies have been conducted using the Mindreading software, the proposed project will improve understanding of a) the skills individuals with AS have in understanding emotions and b) their response to computer-aided instruction. Moreover, the project will investigate the feasibility of computer based intervention for children and youth with AS.