Using home-based augmented reality storybook training modules for facilitating emotional functioning and socialization of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability with increasing prevalence worldwide. Its main challenges include poor social interaction and self-regulation skills. Effective interventions are required to improve children with ASD’s social interaction skills and emotional regulation. This study aimed to develop and test the feasibility and short-term efficacy of home-based augmented reality (AR) training modules for preschool children with ASD. We recruited five and 15 preschool children (3–5 years old) with ASD, respectively. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare emotional functioning and adaptive behavior differences. The children received 8-week home-based AR training modules—sessions were 20 min four times a week. After using the home-based AR training modules, the overall adaptive function, socialization skills, and emotional functioning of children with ASD significantly improved. The findings of this study provide promising evidence supporting the feasibility and applicability of home-based AR training modules. Practitioners and researchers could assist caregivers in implementing AR training modules at home to increase the emotional functioning and adaptive behavior of preschool children with ASD.