Maher: An Application for Supporting Autistic Children in Learning Self-Care Skills

There is a lack of applications in Arabic that help children with autism in learning and teaching. Autism includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid and repetitive behaviors. Studies indicate that autistic children are positively influenced by using applications as they show better verbal interaction, and their physical activity is increased at activities when using applications. This project aims to facilitate some of the difficulties faced by autistic children using augmented reality (AR) technology. Most autistic children face challenges in self-care skills, such as teeth brushing, eating, bathing, and others. Also, some therapists suggest using AR technology as it facilitates children’s learning because they are attracted to notable things like 3D objects and interact with them in a positive way. The result of this project is Maher application which supports autistic children in learning some self-care skills and prepares them to recognize these skills and their tools faster and in an engaging approach through the use of AR technology in Arabic language.