1. Can visual stimulation using video games teach social contact to people reluctant to risk speaking
with others?
2. Can the patient's choice of social situations in a game be used BOTH to diagnose patterns of discomfort
AND to teach 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?
3. Are there other ethical issues?
H.E. Butler III M.D., FACS
14 December 2011
533 Elizabeth Place
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-2408
