AUTISMsync (101189519)
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101189519
Horizon Europe (2021-2027)
Enhancing Synchrony in Autism: Introducing the MirrorPods-Intervention Platform
ERC PROOF OF CONCEPT GRANTS (ERC-2024-POC)
sensors
2025-01-01 Start Date (YY-MM-DD)
2026-06-30 End Date (YY-MM-DD)
€ 0 Total Cost
Description
Autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting millions globally, severely impacts the quality of life of individuals diagnosed with this lifelong condition, and that of their families. It imposes an immense financial burden on health and educational systems, projected to grow alongside increasing diagnosis and prevalence rates. The magnitude of this crisis calls for more effective therapies that incorporate a nuanced, contemporary understanding of autism. Recent research and therapies point to a core deficit of autism that has, by and large, been overlooked in existing clinical protocols and assistive technologies (AT): temporal synchrony. Temporal synchrony refers to the harmonious alignment of actions, behaviors or language over time. AUTISMsync introduces a pioneering intervention platform, the MirrorPods, that targets temporal synchrony. The MirrorPods combine sophisticated technology with real-life human interaction and are tailored for autistic child-parent dyads. The dyad, on opposite sides of a transparent touch sensor, produce synthesized sound through hand movements. Using closed-loop sensory feedback, the sounds become more rewarding as the users movements become more coordinated. The reward scheme is optimized to each users difficulty level, to best promote improvement. AUTISMsync aims to explore the innovation potential through extensive user engagement and development. The management plan includes establishing a private HealthTech startup with long term plans for future commercialization. This multidisciplinary venture aims to deliver a cost-effective, scientifically supported product, poised to transform the landscape of behavioral interventions and AT for autism. Under the management of a leadership team renowned for their expertise and dedication, the MirrorPods which blend interactive technology, personalization, and direct human interaction pave the way for setting a new standard for care and support within the autism community.