COSPATIAL
COSPATIAL is a 3-year collaborative, technology-focused project exploring the use of innovative technologies for supporting social competence for children on the autism spectrum as well as those who are typically developing.
COSPATIAL aims to develop specific interactive technologies for school settings that may help to promote learning and social competence. The project is focused on the use of two main types of technologies:
- Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVE)
- Shared Active Surfaces (SAS)
Development of applications using these technologies will be guided by principles of Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy.
COSPATIAL applications are being developed with close involvement from teachers, children and young people, parents and other professionals. Thus, the project stands to offer considerable benefits to children, young people and their teachers with regard to practical ideas and support for facilitating social participation.
The COSPATIAL research team is multidisciplinary, comprising psychologists, occupational therapists, computer scientists, human factors experts and educators.
Laura Millen is currently conducting her doctoral research as part of COSPATIAL with a focus on methods to involve children with autism in the design of technology.
For more information, see the COSPATIAL website or email the project team.
COSPATIAL is funded under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission (Grant no. 231266).