While some believe smartphones and tablets may be turning some of us into screen-staring data drones, Samsung has launched a new app that aims to treat the inability to make eye contact — a symptom of autism.
Developed with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Yonsei University’s department of psychology, the company’s Look At Me app allows autistic children to run a series of games, challenges and tests designed to improve their ability to make eye contact, and enhance their social skills.
According to a survey conducted by Samsung, based on parental feedback, the app helped roughly 60% of the 20 children who used it over eight weeks.
Look At Me presents six missions for users to complete, and recommends a daily usage of at least 15 to 20 minutes. One challenge requires users to practice forming certain facial expressions (“Expression of the Day”), while another prompts them to practice drawing facial features over existing photos. Each challenge delivers points based on a user’s performance.
As part of the project, Autism Speaks Canada recently partnered with Samsung Canada to offer 200 Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablets preloaded with the Look At Me app to families with autistic children.
Samsung is careful to mention that its results regarding the app’s effectiveness are not conclusive; but if the parents surveyed are any indication, the app could be a boon for at least some families struggling to cope with the symptoms of autism.
Featured on the Google Play store for devices with Android 4.0, and currently boasting a four-star rating, the Look At Me app is available as a free download.
Source: mashable.com