Not with Wii, but a tool for autism therapy

Brian Field

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Twelve-year-old Matt was making progress in school from a behavioral perspective, but was still unable to dress himself.

For those individuals with autism that have difficulty with motor-related tasks there is a relatively new therapy that, in many ways, mimics the Nintendo Wii. The software “game” -- called Core:Tx -- was originally developed for stroke survivors and others recovering from physical injury and is just now being picked up by some clinicians for autism occupational and physical therapy.

The computer-based program uses wireless motion-sensing technology to assist patients with neuromuscular re-education, repairing and reactivating the pathways in the brain which may have been affected by autism.

Patients strap small wireless transmitters to arms and/or legs and undertake virtual actions as directed by the game, watching their progress on screen. The closer the patient is able to mimic the game on screen with real-life physical imitation, the higher the score.

This kind of video modeling taps into the visual strength many with ASD have to reinforce physical behavior.

While it will remain to be proven in the clinical landscape whether this kind virtual gaming software can play a lasting supportive role in OT/PT for autism, it is clearly another way such technology is being extended from “entertainment” into therapeutic environments.