About the game
Based on my research into child development, autism, and currently available baby software, I came up with the following game concept.
First of all, the game will be web-based. This will allow for configuration options, ease of setup for the caregiver, and lowest cost (were this to be developed and marketed). Users will first need to create an account which will allow for customization and for later inclusion of progress reports (not designed in this first phase).
The default game settings will target the game more towards the typically developing baby. Parents who know or suspect a developmental difficulty can turn off or modify certain features. For example, an autistic child may do better with the sound turned off, a predictable sequence of signs/images, and a greater number of repetitions when learning a sign (or more chances to get the answer correct when being quized).
Because an autistic child often has difficulty with social interaction, it was important to put the teaching of each sign into a social context (rather than just showing an object and a sign). To address this, the game shows interaction between a baby caterpillar (Cody) and his mommy. Cody requests something (such as a bottle) by signing it to his mommy. She obliges and fulfils his request, and Cody shows his pleasure at getting his needs met in a positive way.
The game features three different learning modes:
Tutorial Mode is a non-interactive demonstration of the different signs through animated video with sound. For each sign, a sequence will be followed a minimum of 3 times that 1st shows the object, then a scene demonstrating that the object is wanted by Cody, and 3rd an example of Cody making the sign. This culinates in Cody successfully communicating his desire for the object and his pleasure at receiving it. An optional game quilt (described in the next section) can be used to allow the player to control which signs are shown.
Interactive Mode requires use of a game quilt that connects to the computer wirelessly or through USB. The quilt contains pictures representing different signs. The game player will be shown a sequence beginning with the demonstration of a sign. The baby will be encouraged by the game to touch the appropriate square on the quilt for the sign that is being made. This mode follows the teaching method of errorless ABA which promotes learning by making it almost impossible for the learner to fail at their task (and thus reducing the discouragement that hinders learning). In the early part of the sequence, babies will be shown exactly which square to press on the quilt. As the sequence progresses, it will become increasingly difficult with less hinting towards the correct answer. Each time the baby gets the answer correct, positive visual and audio reinforcement is given on the screen (with the reinforcement getting bigger as the difficulty increases).
Quiz Mode is designed to be played along with a parent or caregiver. It is not possible for the computer to determine whether a baby can demonstrate a sign, only that they can match a sign to an object or picture. This mode encourages babies to make the sign for a given picture. The adult determines whether the sign was made correctly and then drives the action through simple key sequences on the keyboard. If the baby signs correctly, positive reinforcement is returned, and the module moves onto the next sign. If incorrect, the adult can offer baby another opportunity, trigger a coaching session (mimicking tutorial mode), or move onto the next sign. This offers a fun way to see what your baby has learned.
Additional Files
Here are copies of some additional course deliverables.
Interactive Quilt Design
Logo Design
Poster Presentation