AutBlocks: Using Collaborative Learning to Develop Joint Attention Skills for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The development of Joint Attention skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an important pre-requisite to them achieving their full potential in terms of social and emotional interaction skills as they progress through childhood. This paper describes the development of a multiuser collaborative game using gestural interaction to provide autistic children with social interaction difficulties a means to build, practice and consolidate their joint attention skills. The feedback and experiences of a group of teachers of children with Autism are also presented for analysis and planning for future work.