Evaluation of the Videodrama Therapeutic Device for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Evaluation of the Videodrama Therapeutic Device for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (Valerie, Sperenza, 2009) that begins early in development, characterized by persistent deficits in communication and social interactions across various contexts and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These symptoms significantly impact social, school/professional functioning, or other important areas and are not better explained by intellectual disability or global developmental delay (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Currently, managing children with ASD emphasizes compensating for communication and social interaction disabilities. Communication tools like PECS or Makaton and social skills groups have shown effectiveness but have limitations, particularly not addressing sensory atypicalities seen in children with ASD. These sensory atypicalities are evident when children watch videos on screens. The idea is to use video to understand the sensory experiences of children with ASD and help them move away from an isolated relationship with screens. New technologies can further isolate children with ASD in their autistic sphere. The hypothesis is that observing these children with screens will provide better understanding of their sensory experiences and improve therapeutic support towards play and interaction with others

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 3 to 15 years.
• Clinically confirmed ASD by a psychiatrist.
• Parental or legal guardian consent for participation.
• Child showing a strong interest in screens and/or video content.
• Ability to tolerate the presence of other children.
• Minimum of 18 video drama sessions.
• Not having benefited from disease care in the past.
• Affiliation to a social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

• No ASD diagnosis.
• Younger than 3 or older than 15 at the study start.
• No interest in screens or video content.
• Parental or legal guardian refusal for participation.
• Dropping out before completing 18 sessions.
• Patient having benefited a disease care in the past