Using eye-tracking technology to help children with severe communication disabilities
Augmentative Alternative Communication Intervention Delivered Via Eye-tracking Technology
This study is testing a new eye-tracking communication tool to help children with severe communication disabilities express themselves better and improve their quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Messina) |
| Trial ID | NCT05808478 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to develop an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) intervention utilizing eye-tracking technology for children aged 3 to 17 with severe communication disabilities. The study focuses on enhancing communication skills through the analysis of eye movements, allowing patients to better express themselves and interact with their environment. Additionally, it seeks to understand the psychosocial impact of this technology on the quality of life for both patients and their families. The intervention will involve both AAC methods and eye-tracking systems to support effective communication.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to 17 with neuropsychiatric conditions that result in complex communication needs.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 3 to 17 or those unable to control eye movements may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication abilities and quality of life for children with severe communication disabilities.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using technology for augmentative communication, but this specific approach with eye-tracking is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged between 3 and 17 years affected by neuropsychiatric pathology presenting complex communication needs * Control of eye motility and visual fixation * ability to maintain position in front of the monitor * availability of at least one member of the family nucleus to participate in the therapeutic process * cognitive skills appropriate to the task such as being able to recognize images and being able to memorize procedures necessary to use the various basic functions Exclusion Criteria: * age not between 3 and 17 years * difficulty in controlling ocular motility and visual fixation * the unavailability of at least one member of the family nucleus to participate in the therapeutic process * impaired cognitive skills on the task such as being able to recognize pictures and being able to memorize procedures necessary to use various basic functions
Where this trial is running
Messina
- IRCCS Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo — Messina, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Francesca Cuinotta, MD, PhD
- Email: francesca.cucinotta@irccsme.it
- Phone: 09060128257
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.