title: Design, development, and clinical validation of therapeutic toys for autistic children.
abstract: [Purpose] One of the characteristics of autistic children is social interaction difficulties. Although therapeutic toys can promote social interaction, however its related research remains insufficient. The aim of the present study was to build a set of cooperative play toys that are suitable for autistic children. [Subjects and Methods] This study used an innovative product design and development approach as the basis for the creation of cooperative play toys. [Results] The present study has successfully developed cooperative play toys. Compared to the traditional game therapy for autism, cooperative play toy therapy can significantly improve the interactions between autistic children and their peers. [Conclusion] The most critical design theme of cooperative play toys focuses on captivating the interest of autistic children. Based on the needs of the individual cases, the design of the therapeutic toy set was specifically tailored, i.e., by reinforcing the sound and light effects to improve the attractiveness of the toys. In the future, different play modes can be combined with this toy set to further enhance the degree of interaction of autistic children and improve their quality of life and social skills.
authors: Product Design and Development Laboratory, Department of Industrial Design, College of Management, Chang Gung University, Taiwan; Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
authors: Kevin C
authors: KC
authors: Tseng
authors: School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taiwan.
authors: Sung-Hui
authors: SH
authors: Tseng
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Early Intervention, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taiwan.
authors: Hsin-Yi Kathy
authors: HY
authors: Cheng
keywords: Assistive technology; Autism; Play therapy