An augmented reality approach to give people with autism spectrum disorder more control over dental experiences
Dental clinics often present a challenging environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to their heightened sensitivity from sensory processing disorders (SPD). The sensory stimuli typical in dental settings, such as the noise from drills, bright lighting and the tactile sensation of dental tools, can cause heightened anxiety and discomfort. This sensory sensitivity complicates routine dental procedures, leading to oral health disparities and adversely affecting the overall well-being of individuals with ASD. In collaboration with YAI, a nonprofit organization that supports the intellectual and developmental disabilities community, this team is developing augmented reality (AR) technology solutions tailored to these unique challenges.
The project involves participatory research at YAI’s dental clinics in New York, engaging directly with patients, caregivers, occupational therapists and dental professionals. The team, which includes two undergraduate students, will use these insights during co-design sessions, where all stakeholders collaboratively develop solutions that mitigate the sensory challenges faced by individuals with SPD. This inclusive approach ensures that the solutions are practical, empathetic and directly responsive to the needs of those affected, giving patients better control during their dental experiences.
An augmented reality approach to give people with autism spectrum disorder more control over dental experiences
Dental clinics often present a challenging environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to their heightened sensitivity from sensory processing disorders (SPD). The sensory stimuli typical in dental settings, such as the noise from drills, bright lighting and the tactile sensation of dental tools, can cause heightened anxiety and discomfort. This sensory sensitivity complicates routine dental procedures, leading to oral health disparities and adversely affecting the overall well-being of individuals with ASD. In collaboration with YAI, a nonprofit organization that supports the intellectual and developmental disabilities community, this team is developing augmented reality (AR) technology solutions tailored to these unique challenges.
The project involves participatory research at YAI’s dental clinics in New York, engaging directly with patients, caregivers, occupational therapists and dental professionals. The team, which includes two undergraduate students, will use these insights during co-design sessions, where all stakeholders collaboratively develop solutions that mitigate the sensory challenges faced by individuals with SPD. This inclusive approach ensures that the solutions are practical, empathetic and directly responsive to the needs of those affected, giving patients better control during their dental experiences.
- Keith Green, Department of Human Centered Design, College of Human Ecology, and The Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering
- Serena Guo, Information Science PhD student
- Gilly Leshed, Department of Information Sciences, Bowers CIS
- Andrea Stevenson Won, Department of Communication, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Community partner: YAI
Providing seed support for a wide range of community-engaged learning projects