Wearable Biosensors in Youth With Autism With High Behavioral Acuity: Supportive Practices, Acceptability, and the Importance of Nonverbal Signs of Assent to Research Participation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2026

Journal Title

American journal on intellectual and developmental disabilities

MeSH Headings

Humans; Wearable Electronic Devices; Female; Adolescent; Biosensing Techniques (instrumentation); Child; Male; Autistic Disorder (physiopathology)

Abstract

Wearable biosensors can provide insight into the internal states of individuals with autism with communication challenges; however, sensory sensitivities may make wearable biosensors uncomfortable. We describe our approach for introducing a wrist-worn biosensor (Empatica E4) to participants and using supportive techniques. Most participants (76.6%) were able to wear the biosensor for a duration of 15 minutes. The option to wear a colorful sweatband over the biosensor, verbal encouragement, and edible rewards were found to be helpful. Data collection was unsuccessful for the 23.4% of participants who did not accept wearing the device, which was more common for minimally speaking participants. Tailored approaches and attention to nonverbal signs of assent or discomfort are essential for conducting wearable biosensor research with individuals with autism.

First Page

112

Last Page

117

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