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Playfully training emotional skills Artificial intelligence to support children with autism spectrum disorders
Correctly interpreting and understanding the emotions of others to adapt to social interaction is not a problem for most people. However, those who suffer from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulties doing so since their natural understanding for the feelings of others is not sufficiently developed. This is often compounded by impairments in a person’s own communication and language. It is not uncommon for these developmental disorders to manifest in early childhood. Today, a wide range of therapies is available to treat this disorder. Researchers at H-BRS want to supplement the existing options through artificial intelligence (AI). In the scope of the MigrAVE research project launched in 2020, Ph.D. student Alex Mitrevski and research assistant Mohammad Wasil are conducting research on a robot learning assistant for the therapy of children with ASD under the direction of computer science professor Paul G. Plöger. “The robot is intended to be used as a supplement in therapeutic practice and to strengthen the children’s emotional competence in a playful way”, says Mitrevski, explaining the goal of the project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. MigrAVE focuses on children diagnosed with ASD, as early treatment
could improve their lives. One research focus is multilingualism to provide the best possible support for children whose native language is not German.
Cross-university, interdisciplinary applied research In addition to the robot learning assistant, the MigrAVE team is developing an online platform specifically for children with a migration background. H-BRS is working closely on the project with FH Münster and RFH University of Applied Sciences Cologne. This allows three fields of research to be combined. Münster contributes expert knowledge on autism, Cologne on multilingualism and emotion recognition, and H-BRS provides expertise on applied AI. “I’m pleased to be part of this interdisciplinary cooperation project. MigrAVE is a great opportunity for applied research”, says Mitrevski.
