A ATG Co. Ltd representative showing a guest how the Mente device works for children with autism.

Mente, a new technology that helps relax the minds of children with autism, has been launched by ATG Co. Ltd at Hilton Malta, Portomaso.

The event, which was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister’s wife Michelle Muscat, chairwoman of the Marigold Foundation and honorary president of the Association of Parents of Children with Autism, was hosted by TV personality Claire Agius Ordway.

Mente is a portable EEG device that uses neuro-feedback to help relax autistic children, allowing them to focus better and engage positively within their environment. It can be used in the comfort of one’s own home and is simple to set up and use.

Comprising a headset and software, its unique patented technology creates individual, tailor-made binaural beat representations that are therapeutic for children.

Benefits include longer time frames for actual learning, longer attention spans, enhanced relaxation and improved communication skills.

Mente, which is FDA-registered and ISO 13485 certified, was invented and patented by Adrian Attard Trevisan, founder and managing director of AAT Research.

Nadette Spiteri, consultant paediatrician at the Child Development Assessment Unit & Community Services, CDAU Case Conferences chairwoman and senior lecturer at the University, spoke about the increasing incidences of new cases of autism every year.

Education consultant at the Inspire Foundation Rita Micallef, who manages the Speech Language Department within the Health Division, spoke about a double-blind clinical study currently being carried out by Inspire using Mente.