Abstract:
Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often show a keen interest in technological tools, frequently reacting more positively to interactions with computers or tablets than with other humans. As a result, technology has become increasingly relevant in treating people with ASD by helping to create flexible, effective, affordable, user-friendly, and universally accessible treatment methods.
The aim of this project is to develop innovative and multilingual technological tools to support the development of children with ASD from diverse cultural backgrounds. Specifically, the project seeks to create a multilingual online platform that provides information and learning materials to benefit and support children, parents, and therapists.
Key aspects of the project include:
- Development of a Robotic Learning Assistant: This assistant will feature integrated state detection capabilities to recognize and respond to distracting emotions or mental conditions during learning sessions.
- Requirement Analysis: The project will begin with a thorough requirement analysis for both the online platform and the learning assistant, based on extensive interviews with parents and therapists of children with ASD.
- Learning Portal and Exercises: The next step involves developing a learning portal and exercises designed to enhance socio-emotional competencies and practical life skills.
- Deep Learning Prediction Models: The scope of the platform development will include conceptualizing deep learning models to predict mental and emotional states in learning contexts. These models will serve as predictors of children’s attention and distraction during learning sessions.
User Evaluations: To ensure the project’s success, comprehensive user evaluations will be conducted to assess the effectiveness and acceptance of the technological tools.
Through these efforts, the project aims to create a supportive and engaging learning environment for children with ASD, thereby improving their socio-emotional skills and practical life abilities.