Sensor-enabled detection of stereotypical motor movements in persons with autism spectrum disorder

Stereotypical motor movements are one of the most common and least understood behaviors occurring in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Problems with traditional methods for measuring movement stereotypy make it difficult to accurately determine when and why these behaviors occur. The current research overcomes previous measurement problems by utilizing wireless accelerometers and pattern recognition software to automatically and reliably detect stereotypical motor movements such as body rocking and hand flapping in children with ASD.