Design for children with autism
Tackling associated anxiety and common daily adversities
For her final year project, recent Industrial Design graduate Tamsin Brierly developed a product to provide supplementary aid for children experiencing adversities linked to Autistic spectrum disorders (ASD.)
For many children living with ASD, long waiting times for diagnosis and learning support can form a barrier and lead to problems with daily tasks including communication, time planning and management, as well as causing associated anxiety. Tamsin developed YU, a supportive companion that helps to tackle these issues through ‘safe interaction’ for skills practice and assistance at home, school and in other social settings.
Inspiration should begin with frustration, and that is where I tend to find motivation for my work. Necessity is the overriding factor for improvement.
The device features eye-tracking technology, proven to develop understanding of non-verbal communication cues such as directional gaze, that many children with ASD struggle to recognise. It also offers downloadable educational games which employ trusted therapy techniques to increase positive interactions, as well as an accompanying app for parents or caregivers to track learning and progress.
I aspire to create products that will have a positive impact on peoples’ lives through engineering innovation.
There is an ‘alert’ button on the tummy of the product which can be pressed when the child experiences feelings of heightened stress or anxiety. Electronic environmental sensors collect data about potential personal triggers such as heat, noise, and location, helping build a pattern for prevention. A wearable heart rate monitor tracks the child’s pulse where spikes can predict meltdowns, allowing preventive measures to be put in place.
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