Social Acuity Game (SAGA) for ASD children (20180167)

Helps children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A new iPad based game (app) aims to help improve social functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The game focuses on a child’s ability to perceive the psychological state of others and act accordingly. More specifically, the game fosters emotional understanding of high functioning kids with ASD. Because children with ASD tend to interact well with video games, using a video game format to create an intervention is expected to improve the social skills of children on the spectrum. In addition, the low cost of this type of intervention holds great potential in benefiting children from low socioeconomic status (SES) families.

This app is now available for download from the Google Play store.

Benefits

• Improves social functioning of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Fosters emotional understanding of high functioning kids with ASD
• Low cost
• Accessible for children on the spectrum with low socioeconomic status (SES)

Features

• iPad based game (app)
• Geared toward children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Targets social skills of children on the spectrum
• Focuses on ability to perceive the psychological state of others and act accordingly
• Video game format

Applications

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Asperger’s syndrome
• Autistic children
• Improving social skills and functioning

Desired Partnerships

• License
• Sponsored research
• Co-development

Please contact TLO to share your business’ needs and learn more.

Researchers:

Pete Willemson, PhD, Associate Professor, Computer Science, University of Minnesota, Duluth

Al Yonas, The Institute of Child Development