Brief Report: A Novel Digital Therapeutic that Combines Applied Behavior Analysis with Gaze-Contingent Eye Tracking to Improve Emotion Recognition in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Abstract

This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a video game-based digital therapeutic combining applied behavior analysis techniques and gaze-contingent eye tracking to target emotion recognition in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children aged 4-14\xa0years with ASD were randomized to complete Lookware™ (n\u2009=\u200925) or a control video game (n\u2009=\u200929). Results from a 2\u2009×\u20092 mixed ANOVA revealed that children in the intervention condition demonstrated significant improvements in emotion recognition from pre- to post-intervention compared to children in the control condition, F(1,52)\u2009=\u200917.48, p\u2009<\u20090.001. Children and staff perceived high feasibility and acceptability of Lookware™. Study results demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Lookware™.