Skin Conductance as an In Situ Marker for Emotional Arousal in Children with Neurodevelopmental Communication Impairments

Abstract

Even though electrodermal activity has been widely used in the study of psychological states and processes for over 130 years, the use of such technology in situ, within the context of daily activities, remains a major challenge. Recent technological advancements have led to the development of wearable biosensors that noninvasively measure electrical conductance across the skin. These biosensors represent a new approach for skin conductance assessment, as a proxy for emotional arousal, in children with neurodevelopmental communication impairments who are often described as having difficulties with emotional regulation, expressing thoughts and feelings, and present a higher prevalence of challenging behaviors. Here we provide an overview of skin conductance and explore the benefits of recent technological advancements for applied research and clinical practice. We draw on user experience from two experimental interventions involving eight children with neurodevelopmental impairments. In both cases investigators monitored phasic and tonic EDA measures in situ using wearable biosensors. We share the behavioral and technical challenges experienced across these two experimental contexts, and propose associated considerations for future use. Specifically, sensor functioning, synchronization, and data preprocessing/analysis difficulties, as well as behavioral findings related to developmental differences, sensor tolerance over time, and sensor placement are discussed.