Novel technologies for the study of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

The aim of this work was the development of novel bioengineering tools and methodologies that provide a support in the study of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). A methodology for non-invasive imaging of neurons during their growth was set up and a software called NEMO (NEuron MOrphological analysis tool) for the automatic analysis of morphology and connectivity was developed. Microstructure properties were inferred also in vivo through the quite recent technique of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). The functionality of the brain was analyzed through Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) using a novel task based on face processing of human, android and robotic faces. Finally an innovative platform called FACE-T (FACE-Therapy) was set up. FACE-T consists of a specially equipped room in which the child, wearing unobtrusive devices for recording physiological and behavioral data as well as gaze information, can interact with an android (FACE, Facial Automaton for Conveying Emotions) and a therapist. These studies give new insights in the study of ASDs exploring aspects not yet addressed.

Lucia Billeci was born in Pisa, Italy. She received a Master Degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa in 2007. In 2011 she obtained a PhD in Automatics, Robotics and Bioengineering at the University of Pisa. She is currently a research fellow at the Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa.