Comprehensive Collection, Charting and Communication System Development Funded by NIMH

SymTrend has been awarded a two-year small business technology transfer grant (STTR) from the National Institute of Mental Health in partnership with the University of Washington in Seattle. This project will enable SymTrend to enhance its low-cost, technology-afforded power and efficiency to the special education (SPED) of a lower functioning child with autism (LFCA). An effective IEP requires intensive school and home-based behavioral monitoring: iterations of behavioral data recording, progress charting, and team communication. SymTrend will extend the functionality of its current Internet and mobile system for behavioral monitoring to include the use of digital pen technology for recording on specially printed forms. The project will then test the two types of electronic monitoring (iPod Touch and digital pens) against current pencil and paper monitoring. It is hypothesized that an electronic system with four components – i.e., forms creation, data collection, progress charting, and team communication – will reduce the time burden of behavioral monitoring and enable schools to meet the IEP needs of its students within the constraints of very restrictive educational budgets. Funding starts 9/30/2009. Research will be conducted in Newton and Cambridge, MA.