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Is Reveal made just for autism?
Reveal is not limited to ASDs. We're starting with the autism community to focus our initial design and data collection efforts. Once we get the wearable working well for this community we would love to use it for the variety of other purposes for which it could help provide insights. Other possible applications can include measuring stress for PTSD, generalized anxiety disorders, or for people with dementia.
Can Reveal work without the Reveal + subscription?
Yes, we will have a free version of the app available so that you can use Reveal at no monthly cost. The unlimited version will be available for only 9.99$/mo.
Who can use Reveal?
Right now, we’re designing Reveal for children with an ASD, their parents, caregivers and behavioural consultants because they are the ones already tracking and gathering the data we need to make Reveal most effective. That being said, Reveal will ultimately be used for self-regulation for autistic children, teenagers, and adults alike. In the long term, we want this to be available to all those who need it, but we need to start in the right place.
How will Reveal help me identify what triggers anxiety for me/my child?
Identifying triggers of anxiety is a complicated process. We are starting this process in our current study by measuring physiological data and matching the recorded patterns to observed behaviours.
When Reveal becomes available, you will be able to go onto the app and tell it what’s happening in real time. As you are recording, you can go into the app and let it know where you are/what you’re doing, and provide details of the situation. Is your child laughing? Playing? Screaming? What happened before? What is happening as a result? This way when you look back at the data, you will have access to all this information.
But, as you use Reveal, it will get to know you and get smarter. So the next time it notices anxiety levels rise distinctly above the baseline you will get a notification with a simple prompt such as, “hey, I just noticed a spike, what’s up?” This will allow you to notice and contextualize each rise in anxiety the moment it happens.
Are you doing trials for Reveal? Can I/my child participate?
Yes, we are conducting trials. The eligibility requirements for the current study are as follows:
Must be located in the lower mainland of British Columbia, Canada.
Must have an ASD diagnosis
Must not taking medication for anxiety regulation. Send a message to igg@awakelabs.com if you meet the above criteria. If you are interested in being considered for future studies, sign up for our mailing list through www.awakelabs.com
Why, “autistic person” rather than “person with autism” or “person with an ASD”?
We understand that this is a recurring topic of debate and in fact, we started this campaign using person first language. Since the launch we’ve received a number of emails from autistic individuals asking us about our choice in language and in light of these, we have changed it. We are constantly learning new things and are actively working to be the best possible allies to the community so if you have a concern please speak up!
For those who are a bit more curious, here are some fantastic blogs that have delved a little bit further into this discussion:
https://crackedmirrorinshalott.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/autistic-allistic-neurodiverse-and-neurotypical-say-what/
http://www.autistichoya.com/2011/08/significance-of-semantics-person-first.html
Is the device communicating only with the app or does it give any physical response directly?
Currently it will be communicating only with the app. As we continue to develop Reveal as a tool for self-regulation, we will have a feature that gives the wearer an indication of heightened anxiety. This functionality will not be included in the first version of Reveal.
Is this device being marketed in different channels other than autism?
Currently, no. We want to focus first on building this for the autistic community. Once it is working well, we plan on scaling to other markets, such as dementia, PTSD and general anxiety.
Is there currently any testing being done in schools?
Not specifically. A few trials have taken place with a child’s EA at school as it was the location indicated by certain participants to be the most familiar and comfortable to conduct the trials. So far, none of the testing has been specific to Reveal’s use in a school setting.
Are there any plans to expand capability to include GPS?
Yes we will investigate the feasibility integrating GPS capabilities as it is a request we have gotten many times.
How does the device distinguish between excited and anxious as the two are physiologically very similar?
Through the app you will be able to tag data with contextual information (example: is your child laughing or crying? Running and happy stimming, or quiet and withdrawn?) in order to help distinguish between the two. As Reveal gets more sophisticated and learns each individual user's patterns over time, it could differentiate between the two states.
Do you see this device being useful as a self-regulation tool?
Yes definitely! Our ultimate goal is for this to be a tool for self regulation and to promote independence.
Will you be able to use autism funding to purchase the device?
This is something we are working on. We are looking to make Reveal as accessible as possible to those who need it. If you have any suggestions, contacts or if your country/state has any specific requirements please let us know!
When an event occurs, do you have to be trained how to read it or how to use the app?
We are designing it to be as simple and as comprehensible as possible. We will also provide access to tutorials and out-of-box instructions to teach you how to use some of the basic functions.
What technology is currently being used in the field?
Some behavioural consultants use things like Fitbits and Mios to help track anxiety. These products were not designed to be used for these purposes and tend to break easily. They also don’t provide an accurate quantified measure of anxiety using multiple physiological indicators - they simply use heart rate. They are a good start, but there is still a long way to go, which is why we are developing Reveal.
