Educational Computer Games and Social Skills Training

This chapter presents the application of educational computer games aiming to improve emotional understanding in children with ASD. A game, designed specifically for children with ASD and based on the ability model of emotional intelligence [22], is introduced. This model suggests that emotional intelligence is based on our four focus areas: perceived emotions, use of emotions to facilitate thought, understanding emotions and managing emotions. We selected this model because it draws a specific focus to understanding emotions through verbal and non-verbal interventions. The game consists of seven modules: The game offers participants a specific combination of visual representation and auditory perception of nominated emotions. In addition, it offers the opportunity for the emotion to be depicted and accessible on target pictures—facial expressions and adapted situational images. The Chapter discusses the principles of game development and its seven components. Data collected from the pilot testing with two groups of children—typically developing and children with ASD—are systematized. Enhancement of social skills and emotional intelligence and its key components, namely, emotion perception and understanding, is a fundamental part of direct and indirect interventions that support the development of children with ASD. Such skills would widen the opportunities for the children to establish and build relationships with peers, be better accepted in society and reach an improved functional level.