Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026
Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities
Published on: January 29, 2014
New camera-based microswitch technology to monitor small head and mouth responses of children with multiple
Giulio E Lancioni1, Domenico Bellini, Doretta Oliva
1Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari , Italy.
Objective:
Assessing a new camera-based microswitch technology, which did not require the use of color marks on the participants' face.
Method:
Two children with extensive multiple disabilities participated. The responses selected for them consisted of small, lateral head movements and mouth closing or opening. The intervention was carried out according to a multiple probe design across responses. The technology involved a computer with a CPU using a 2-GHz clock, a USB video camera with a 16-mm lens, a USB cable connecting the camera and the computer, and a special software program written in ISO C++ language.
Results:
The new technology was satisfactorily used with both children. Large increases in their responding were observed during the intervention periods (i.e. when the responses were followed by preferred stimulation).
Conclusion:
The new technology may be an important resource for persons with multiple disabilities and minimal motor behavior.
