Could artificial intelligence benefit children with autism?
Ned Sahin, a neuroscientist and founder of company Brain Power, thinks so. He is part of a wave of scientists who hope technology can improve the social communication and interaction skills of people with autism.
It is among a growing number of start-ups looking to target the education industry with apps and solutions aimed at specialist areas. Google Chromebooks and Apple iPads are becoming more commonplace in classrooms, including those for pupils with special needs. A study by eSchool News shows the use of AI in education is set to grow nearly 50% by 2021.
Growth at this scale has helped to push global investment in education technology companies to a record $9.6 billion in 2017, according to research firm Metaari, up from $7.3 billion in 2016. Ten of those learning tech companies each obtained over $100 million in funding, according to the report; including DAQRI, a mixed reality learning company based in Los Angeles.
For those with autism, new technologies may offer help to achieve their full potential at school as well as assessing data and improving research into their condition. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in 160 children has an autism spectrum disorder, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the figure is around one in 59 in the US.