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Google Glass could help children with autism socialize with others

Google Glass may have failed as a high-tech fashion trend, but it's showing promise as a tool to help children with autism better navigate social situations.

A new smartphone app that pairs with a Google Glass headset uses facial recognition software to give the wearer real-time updates on which emotions people are expressing. In a pilot trial, described online August 2 in npj Digital Medicine, 14 children with autism spectrum disorder used this program at home for an average of just over 10 weeks. After treatment, the kids showed improved social skills [open, DOI: 10.1038/s41746-018-0035-3], including increased eye contact and ability to decode facial expressions.

After her 9-year-old son, Alex, participated in the study, Donji Cullenbine described the Google Glass therapy as "remarkable." She noticed within a few weeks that Alex was meeting her eyes more often — a behavior change that's stuck since treatment ended, she says. And Alex enjoyed using the Google Glass app. Cullenbine recalls her son telling her excitedly, "Mommy, I can read minds."

Q: What does the scouter say about his emotional state? A: He is confused... Now he has recognized this device as Google Glass and has become enraged.

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