Screening Autism by Evaluating Turn Taking Skills using an Agent-Based Video Game

Abstract

Screening of neuro-developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, can greatly help in early diagnosis and therapy of these disorders. In this study, an agent-based serious game for screening children with autism is presented. The game is based on three important parameters of a turn-taking model, i.e. overlap, free, and grabbing turn. The game is developed using an agent-based architecture and tested on individuals with autism and normally developing children and the game data is collected on a server. The results showed there is significant difference between how these two groups play the game. Thus, it can be used for screening children with autism.