ASMT
Personal Project
Overview
In this project, I designed a modified xylophone that functions together with an app to help children between the ages of 4 to 6 with Asperger’s Syndrome improve their social interaction, communication and motor control skills through music therapy treatment.
As many research have indicated, music therapy can improve significantly in physical, social, musical and emotional aspects of individuals with AS and provide them with a non-verbal self-expression opportunity compared to other treatments.This product replaces the traditional music therapy that requires professional therapists and customizes music therapy classes for children according to their current skill sets. By interacting with the xylophone, children can sing songs and learn to play the xylophone with the help and encouragement of parents. Interacting closely with the app, xylophone receives different signals from children and sends to the app in forms of graphs and data for parents to track children's progress in real time.
Asperger's syndrome
Asperger syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. The syndrome is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger in 1944.
Differences From Autism
Asperger's syndrome is, in many ways, a milder form of classic autism. Whereas those with autism do not attempt to create relationships, children with Asperger's syndrome attempt to have interaction with others, though they may have difficulty understanding conventional social rules.
Background
Causes of Asperger's
The exact cause of Asperger's is unknown. While it is largely inherited, the underlying genetics have not been determined conclusively. Environmental factors are also believed to play a role.
Current Treatment
There is no single treatment, and the effectiveness of particular interventions is supported by only limited data. Treatment is aimed at lowering obsessive or repetitive routines, and improving communication skills and physical clumsiness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT improves stress management relating to anxiety or explosive emotions and to help reduce obsessive interests and repetitive routines.
Speech Therapy
Speech Therapy can teach people with Asperger's syndrome to use language properly and in the right context as well as helping to develop their social and conversational skills
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy can help individuals to improve motor performance and motor control
Social Skills Training
Social skills can help individuals make friends, learn from others and develop hobbies and interests.
Medication for Associated Problems
Medication can help relieve associated problems like major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders
Diagnosis of Asperger's
Diagnosis is most commonly made between the ages of four and eleven. A comprehensive assessment involves a multidisciplinary team that observes across multiple settings.
Data & Statistics
Prevalence in the world
Male vs Female
Ratio between male and female is 8:1.
Future Influence
There is some evidence that children with Asperger's may see a lessening of symptoms. Individuals with Asperger's appear to have normal life expectancy, but have an increased prevalence of comorbid psychiatric conditions. Comorbid psychiatric condition (Anxiety, depressive disorder) in persons with Asperger's is estimated at 65%.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is the use of sounds and music within an evolving relationship between client and therapist to support and encourage physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing .
Conclusion
As many research have indicated, music therapy can improve significantly in physical, social, musical and emotional aspect of individuals with AS compared to other treatments,.
User Persona
Child
Parent
Idea Development
Ideation
Develop a fun and goal-oriented program that incorporates an instrument and an app for parents and children with Asperger's Syndrome to improve relevant skills effectively through music therapy.
A xylophone that can guides children to listen, sing and play through different features.
A drum that plays songs and guides children to play using different lights.
A sand hammer that allows children to play with rhythm and music.
Case Evaluation
Final Decision
Considering that the idea of xylophone has a strong performance in the “Interactivity”,“Creativity” and “Improvement in skills”, I decided to continue with option 1.
System Map
User Flow
Hardward Interaction
Arduino Circuit Diagram
3D Modeling
Information Architecture
Prototype
Sketch
Low-fidelity Prototypes
High-fidelity Prototypes
