Computer-Aided Emotional
Restructuring for aspergers Syndrome
Part - 2
The
typical CAER patient will do more than 2,000 sweeps per hour. The
increased number of sweeps considerably strengthens the relaxed dream like
state. In the typical multi-hour sessions, they may do up to 12,000 eye
sweeps. Obviously, CAER works on a much greater order of
magnitude.
CAER
is also enhanced by the addition of sound that is synchronized with the
moving lights, as well as the reduction of distracting visual and auditory
stimuli by placing the whole system in a light and soundproof chamber.
What CAER Looks Like
CAER has evolved through five generations of prototype models. The current version is a seven-foot long, five-foot high, three-foot wide, white fiberglass pod. It looks like a giant Easter egg lying on its side. There is door on the side that opens like a car door.
Inside is a bed and walls that are covered with soundproof foam. In the ceiling, above the patient’s eyes, are two small red LED’s (electronic lights). They are placed about 2.5 feet in front of the patient and horizontally about 2.5 feet apart. The patient wears soundproof headphones to listen to music or patient recorded tapes.
The patient lies in this soundproof pod with the door closed, in total darkness. The lights and sounds oscillate back and forth at about one round-trip per second. The patient watches the lights by moving his eyes back and forth in time with the moving lights and music.
What Treatment Feels Like
For the first few moments, most people find their attention primarily occupied by watching the lights and listening to the music. Soon, this becomes automatic and effortless. While still fully conscious, the patient experiences a relaxing, alert, dreamlike state. Most patients enjoy the experience of CAER. It is very relaxing, much like sleep.
