A Virtual Conversational Agent for Teens with Autism: Experimental Results and Design Lessons

We present the design of an online social skills development interface for teenagers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The interface is intended to enable private conversation practice anywhere, anytime using a web-browser. Users converse informally with a virtual agent, receiving feedback on nonverbal cues in real-time, and summary feedback. The prototype was developed in consultation with an expert UX designer, two psychologists, and a pediatrician. Using the data from 47 individuals, feedback and dialogue generation were automated using a hidden Markov model and a schema-driven dialogue manager capable of handling multi-topic conversations. We conducted a study with nine high-functioning ASD teenagers. Through a thematic analysis of post-experiment interviews, identified several key design considerations, notably: 1) Users should be fully briefed at the outset about the purpose and limitations of the system, to avoid unrealistic expectations. 2) An interface should incorporate positive acknowledgment of behavior change. 3) Realistic appearance of a virtual agent and responsiveness are important in engaging users. 4) Conversation personalization, for instance in prompting laconic users for more input and reciprocal questions, would help the teenagers engage for longer terms and increase the system's utility

Using Mobile Augmented Reality to Improve Attention in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Adults on the autism spectrum commonly experience impairments in attention management that hinder many other cognitive functions necessary to appreciate relationships between sensory stimuli. As autistic individuals generally identify as visual learners, the effective use of visual aids can be critical in developing life skills. In this brief paper, we propose a Mobile Augmented Reality for Attention (MARA) application which addresses a lack of supportive and simple costeffective solutions for autistic adults to train attention management skills. We present the proposed design, configuration and implementation. Lastly, we discuss future directions for research

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Immersive Virtual Reality for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parents Perceptions

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors that affect the adoption of a spherical video virtual reality (SVVR) mobile application among parents of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study used the diffusion of innovation theory by Rogers (2003) as a framework to explore parents’ perceptions of an SVVR transportation model designed to improve the quality of life of adults with ASD. In addition, the study sought to learn what might increase adoption of VR technology among other parents of individuals with ASD and what life skills that might be addressed using VR technology in the future. The study employed interviews, focus groups, and observation to collect data. The factors that negatively affected the perception of VR technology among parents were categorized into themes: awareness of VR learning applications, availability, disadvantages of SVVR, and technical issues related to the SVVR transportation model. Factors that positively affected the parents’ decision to adopt VR were immersion, realism, ease-of-use, enjoyment and motivation. To increase the adoption of VR by other parents of individuals with ASD, parents suggested that understanding of VR learning applications needs to increase, more teachers should be trained to use VR, the SVVR model should be improved, and there should be greater exposure to VR in schools and at home. Potential future life skills that need to be addressed through the VR technology were also identified. The findings of this study may help eliminate concerns about using VR technology as a therapy for ASD individuals and encourage more parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to adopt it

Estratégias & tecnologias digitais para a integração do Autismo

The number of people with Autism spectrum disorders is increasing significantly. The purpose of this literature review is to contribute to the integration of autistic people in the educational context with the help of technological means. Educators' views on the education they should provide to students so that autistic people feel accepted by their peers and have equal and inclusive opportunities are listed. People on the Autism spectrum have difficulties in important pillars such as communication, memory, and attention. Strategies are presented for teachers to achieve the inclusion of students and the role of assistive technology, and its benefits are identified for people with Autism with the main benefit being the improvement of communication skills, the improvement of organization activities, memory, and attention.El número de personas con trastornos del espectro autista está aumentando significativamente. El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica fue contribuir a la integración de las personas autistas en el contexto educativo con la ayuda de medios tecnológicos. Se enumeran las opiniones de los educadores sobre la educación que deben ofrecer a los alumnos para que las personas autistas se sientan aceptadas por sus compañeros y tengan oportunidades equitativas e inclusivas. Las personas en el espectro del autismo tienen dificultades con pilares importantes como la comunicación, la memoria y la atención. Se presentan estrategias para que los docentes logren la inclusión de los estudiantes y el rol de la tecnología asistiva, y se identifican sus beneficios para las personas con autismo, siendo el principal beneficio la mejora de las habilidades comunicativas, la mejora de las actividades de organización, memoria y atención.O número de pessoas com transtornos do espectro do Autismo está aumentando significativamente. O objetivo desta revisão de literatura foi contribuir para a integração de pessoas autistas no contexto educacional com o auxílio de meios tecnológicos. São listadas as opiniões dos educadores sobre a educação que devem oferecer aos alunos para que os autistas se sintam aceitos por seus pares e tenham oportunidades iguais e inclusivas. As pessoas no espectro do Autismo apresentam dificuldades em pilares importantes como comunicação, memória e atenção. São apresentadas estratégias para os professores conseguirem a inclusão dos alunos e o papel da tecnologia assistiva, e são identificados seus benefícios para pessoas com autismo sendo o principal benefício, a melhora das habilidades de comunicação, a melhora das atividades de organização, memória e atenção

The Development and Evaluation of a Mobile App to Facilitate Public Transport Use for Individuals on The Autism Spectrum: A Co-Production Approach

Mortaza developed and evaluated the first evidence-based, autism-specific trip-planning mobile application to facilitate public transport use for autistic people in the Australian context. This tool was co-produced with individuals on the autism spectrum and was effective in making public transport less stressful. The outcome can improve their quality of life, as the ability to independently use public transport can present individuals on the autism spectrum new opportunities for employment, education and social interaction

The Relationship Between Self-Reported Emotional Intelligence and Emoji Identification Accuracy in College Students

The current study examined the use and interpretation of emojis by neurotypical college students through emotional recognition and social understanding and the implications for their use in supportive communication inside the classroom for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Emotional awareness and reciprocity are essential for establishing friendships and developing social skills. At this point, there remains limited research on the implications of emoji use for individuals with ASD and any boundaries that may be associated with emojis in social understanding and emotional awareness. The specific research questions that will be addressed in this study are as follows: (1) Is there a correlation between self-reported emotional intelligence and emoji identification accuracy? (2) Is there a correlation between degree of emoji use and emoji identification accuracy? (3) Are certain demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, age, years of smartphone use) related to emoji identification accuracy? A total of 101 undergraduate and graduate students completed a 53-item survey which included demographic questions, emoji identification tasks, and self-reported measures of emotional intelligence. Results indicated that there is not a relationship between an individual’s ability to correctly identify emojis and their level of self-reported emotional intelligence (r = .161; p = .131). Participants’ identification accuracy was not found to be related to degree of emoji use, gender or age (p \u3e .05). However, the relationship between identification accuracy and years of smartphone use was found to be approaching significance (p = .051). The results provide preliminary evidence for future researchers to investigate whether there is a relationship between individuals with ASD’s emoji identification accuracy and emotional intelligence

SynApps: Children’s ASD Management Through A Mobile Application and An Interactive Biofeedback Exercise

This thesis explores how to provide better access to alternative treatment options through an immersive biofeedback exercise and mobile application for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This thesis also seeks to connect children with ASD to medical professionals and treatment facilities. This is done through a motion graphics piece depicting an abdominal breathing exercise and correlating mobile application. Users participate in biofeedback exercises in which their real-time biofeedback is monitored, transmitted to the mobile application, and reflected to the user. The mobile application analyzes and identifies physiological signals and detects what feedback is most useful to help the individual meet goals of increased vagal tones. Increased vagal tones correlates with high frequency heart rate variability. The game promotes self-awareness and self-regulation through abdominal breathing, heart rate variability, and mindfulness. If done consistently, biofeedback exercises may help re-train the body’s response to stressful situations, leading to function and behavioral improvements in everyday life. Additionally, this treatment application aims to be a preventative health option for children with ASD as a means to hopefully diminish the lifetime costs of care. This topic is important to the field of design and the broader community because it utilizes the power of design, motion, and interactive technology to potentially bring about improvements to the lives of children with ASD. Furthermore, this thesis unifies design with science as a means to bring better health care access and support services to people with ASD

Social Fringe Dwellers: Can chat-bots combat bullies to improve participation for children with autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can cause a gulf in communication that casts children with autism to the fringes of social and family life, despite the best efforts of their carers. These children often struggle with social interaction, lack of interest and empathy, and require intensive therapy to improve their ability to communicate with others. Improvements in social interaction are often hampered by experiences in which children with autism are more susceptible to being bullied. Social and communication technologies (e.g. smartphones and tablets), which children with autism tend to gravitate toward, and to which many families have access, may play a significant future role in building resilience and improving social interaction. Based on technology reviews and stakeholder interviews, we are developing modules for a machine learning artificial intelligence platform (a chat-bot) that assists children attending an Australian mainstream school to recognise and respond to social bullying and sarcasm, allowing bullied autistic children to develop the social prowess to withstand their aggressors. &nbsp