eMot-iCan: Design of an assessment game for emotion recognition in players with Autism

Abstract

We present an emotion recognition game, eMot-iCan, that is designed to assess and possibly remediate social accessibility in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). The game tests the theory that atypical attention patterns are at the root of several of the features that characterize ASD. These features include impaired social and communicative skills, difficulty in adapting to changing environments, and academic underachievement. Our framework applies trials designed by domain experts that allow for standard repeatable measures across sessions and players. The game is designed to go beyond drilling skills; instead it aims to assess and customize learning. We are currently piloting the game with administrators of the game and with players with a wide range of skills and abilities for the assessment and possible treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).