Enhancing Social Skills in Malaysian Children with Autism Through Augmented Reality (AR): A New Frontier in Therapeutic Interventions

Rasslenda Rass Rasalingam; Ruziana Mohamad Rasli; Vaithegy Doraisamy

Rasslenda Rass Rasalingam School of the Arts, Universiti Sains Malaysia
Ruziana Mohamad Rasli School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia http://orcid.org/0009-0006-7187-513X
Vaithegy Doraisamy School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6054-0485

Abstract

This study explores the new therapeutic intervention of the application of Augmented Reality (AR) technology for enhancing social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Malaysia. Given the nature of autism, which is characterized by a deficit in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors, this disorder often necessitates unique approaches to therapy. AR is a promising replacement for traditional methods. AR could represent an alternative to traditional methods. A 12-week AR-based intervention program was designed, which aimed to support basic social abilities such as eye-contact, facial expression, interpreting emotions and maintaining a conversation. Thirty children with autism between 5 and 12 years old were recruited for the study and attended bi-weekly sessions. This was then paired with the qualitative assessment which was done over 8 therapy lessons using parent interviews and therapist observations At later time points, significant improvements in social responsivity and communication were revealed. Those people experienced more eye contact, better ability to comprehend another person's emotional state, and better social conversational skills. There was high engagement, thanks to the interactive, visually exciting capabilities of AR one of the things that helped in ensuring the program was a success was to adapt the AR content to the Malaysian context.

Author Biographies

Ruziana Mohamad Rasli, School of Multimedia Technology and Communication, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Malaysia

Senior lecturer at Universiti Utara Malaysia, blending profound knowledge in Information Technology and Multimedia with a commitment to inspire and empower students on their academic journey. With 16 years of experience in teaching and learning process, she is actively involved in research and publications.

Vaithegy Doraisamy, School of Computer Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Dr. Vaithegy is a senior lecturer at School of Computer Sciences, USM. Her research interest includes Cloud Computing, Wired/Wireless Network, IoT, Computing Network and Cyber Security. Her specialization is on Wired/Wireless Networks, Cloud Computing, and Multimedia.

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