WUN-supported research has resulted in the development of a storybook that uses augmented reality to help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) navigate social interactions. Some people diagnosed with autism may face challenges with processing emotions and responding appropriately to social scenarios. The book uses a narrative format to illustrate common emotions that arise when dealing with others and how to manage them effectively.
“In kids with autism, the frequency of emotional dysregulation is more frequent than it is in typically developing children,” says researcher Ling-Yi Lin of the National Cheng Kung University and lead researcher of the Development of Home-based augmented reality social story training modules for children with autism spectrum disorder team.[1] “That is why I focused on emotional regulation. It’s very important—because they melt down and it can last for hours.”
A wide variety of interventions are used to help autistic individuals regulate their emotions—both at home and in educational settings. At home settings may be particularly useful because parents or other caretakers are likely more attuned to the sensitivities of the child, which can vary widely. Interventions in this context have resulted in significant behavioral improvements according to previous research.
The eight short stories in the book illustrate a range of emotional scenarios—happiness, anger, empathy, fear, patience, conflict and learning to apologize. As children and their caretakers navigate the narratives, they can scan images and view the endings on a tablet. Thus, static reading becomes a dynamic and interactive experience that helps the child to understand healthy reactions to complex emotional impulses.
Subjects of the study read through the book and interacted with the dynamic endings on the tablet with a caretaker for 20-minute periods four times a week for eight weeks. During the sessions, researchers were available by phone or messaging to guide the caretakers if they experienced challenges.
Prior to participating in the program, children were assessed using the Functional Emotional Assessment Scale (FEAS), a standardized method for assessing emotional functioning in children. They were then assessed afterward—and the results showed significant improvement in social performance and adaptive function.
Parents were also pleased with the results. “I appreciated that you have the process of getting a vaccination in your storybook,” one caregiver reported. “He successfully got two shots without tears and screaming. Previously, a meltdown was a common occurrence.”
What next?
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- The WUN ‘Development of Home-based Augmented Reality Social Story Training Modules For Children with Autism Spectrum’ group includes members from the University of Cape Town, University of Pretoria and Mahidol University. For more information, see their WUN page.