Smart Toy for Early Autism Detection of Motor Movement
Research type
Research Study
Full title
“Tangiball”: Iterative Design and Testing of a Smart Toy for the Clinical Detection of Sensori-Motor Dysfunction in Children with possible Autism Aged 2-5
IRAS ID
310026
Contact name
William Farr
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NCT04980677, ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Autism referrals worldwide are increasing without clinical pathways keeping pace.
Clinical interactions during assessment pathways with younger children nearly always use toys to improve engagement and find out if there are any social communication and movement problems. Yet nearly two-thirds of children being assessed for autism are not physically examined. A "Smart Toy" could enable automated data capture of speed and accuracy of hands movements - otherwise lost during the use of toys - by embedding sensors.
Accurate data capture during object interaction has the potential to contribute more information and earlier in the process. Increased data could also help in the production of strengths-based profiling, and reduce the length of paediatric assessment (NHS Long term plan, 2019).
This project looks at testing a prototype toy with children who have autism in clinic, and typically developing children in schools and pre-schools. During testing we will ask parents and children what they think about the design and format of the toy. We will check with PPI groups as we go along and amend and change the design and digital aspects of the toy and re-test the toy before final testing. We will ask parents and clinical staff their opinion of the use of sensors in toys in interview, survey and focus group.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0024
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion