STEPS - Skill Training Encouragement device for People on the Spectrum
The Problem
There are many challenges in raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder. One such difficulty is teaching the individual how to complete multi-step activities such as brushing teeth, bathing, or using the bathroom. For example, a child on the spectrum might go to the bathroom, but forget to flush the toilet and/or wash his or her hands. This leads a caregiver to be constantly involved in the child's daily activities. One common method to help with this is to use visual schedules and charts to prompt the child, then to reward with access to a desired activity or item when completed satisfactorily. While this method is mostly successful, it can be onerous to keep up and does not work implicitly. A great deal of time is required for the caregiver to verify that the autistic individual has done the task, and then must work with him or her to update the schedule or chart. In a world of electronics that remind people to "get in their steps," or to sign on to their next meeting, it makes sense to use such technology as a replacement or supplement to charts and reminders.
Experience/Bio
Kris, a technical project manager that supports Stockpile Stewardship, started his career as an electro-optics technician. Over the years, he has programmed PLCs, written software and firmware, built electronic control chassis, and maintained high-energy lasers. Kris has been interested in hobby electronics and software development since he was a teenager. Kris and his wife, Emily, have three children, one of which is on the Autism Spectrum. Sharing his passion, he and his children enjoy tinkering with Arduino, RaspberryPi, and 3D printers and have made some fun creations over the years.
Clara is a thirteen year old who began working on Arduino simple projects with her dad, Kris, when she was only six years old. She continued to do this until she was nine, and joined Science Olympiad, a science-related competition between grades 3-8 that students spend months preparing for. During this competition, Clara participated in "Arduino Says," an event where an Arduino was coded and wired up. Clara is now in 7th grade at an all GATE (gifted and talented education) school, where she takes a STEM class in which she has coded two apps. Her first app was game to drag a firefly into a jar, called "Bug Boop," developed with MIT App Inventor. The second app was a number generator and calculator, developed with Thunkable. It had different settings, a calculator, and a number generator. It was called DIGITZ. Clara is now excited to make a wearable device for her autistic brother.
Design
We intend to create an inexpensive, intuitive, scalable device that aids in the self-care and habit-forming of autistic individuals. It will be worn by the individual and maintained by caregivers or support members such as an ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapist. By employing the concept of positive reinforcement, the device will track progress of simple, multistep activities as the user interacts with RFID-tagged items. For example, using the bathroom could consist of tags on the toilet paper roll, toilet flush handle, faucet, soap, and towel. By interacting with these items in the correct order, the wearer could earn points toward a desired activity (ie: internet access).
The device will incorporate the Arduino Nano 33 IOT, a small screen, a battery, and an RFID reader as part of a wearable. It will require RFID tags for each step of a task. A website or phone application will be used to manage the settings, check status, and to develop new tasks.
Stretch Goals
Besides the core requirements of the design, there are some features that will be beneficial to build in, including: interactive items, schedule display, access control, and heart-rate monitor. Interactive items will replace RFID-tagged items and have lights and pushbuttons. A schedule display will allow the individual to see what their next planned activity is. Access control will use RFID-tags to create off=limits locations. Heart-rate monitor will monitor and track the wearer's pulse to allow the caregiver to understand how certain activities lead to problems.
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