1. Is it possible to use video games to teach successful social contact for people reluctant to risk speaking with
others?
2. Can the patient's choice of social situations in a game be used BOTH to diagnose degrees and patterns of
discomfort AND to teach successful risk-taking in a safe (imaginary/video) setting, perhaps with drawings/photographs of individuals similar/identical to the patient so that he is willing to attempt a new
approach to a situation previously considered risky?
Is it possible that neural networks will form as a result of such video reinforcement,
or that use of medicines will be affected so that the patient might reduce the dosage needed in cases of autism and other
disorders? If so, is there an ethical issue in the fact that the preference
for an image of self is not voluntary?
H.E. Butler III M.D., FACS
14 December 2011
533 Elizabeth Place
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-2408
