A Wearable Device for Non-communicative Children Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that occurs due to differences in the way the brain functions. ASD involves problems in communication, social interaction, speech, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Autistic children usually show behaviors that are difficult to be understood by their caregivers, creating a constant communication barrier between autistic children and their families. According to the recent studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, one in 160 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. In this paper, a proposed assistive technology will be presented to help overcome the communication barrier between autistic children and their caregivers. The product was developed according to the humanistic co-design process, in which co-designers are involved in every step. The study was based on the Design Innovation modules, which depends on 4 iterative stages to develop a product, also known as the 4Ds method. The 4Ds are discover, define, develop, and deliver. The approach used to study more about the problem, along with all stages reaching to the development of the first prototype will be discussed in detail in this paper.