A tangible, toy-based platform to evaluate the child’s social interaction in turn-taking games: promising preliminary results on neurodivergent twins

In a previous paper we introduced a smart-toy-based platform, designed to encourage turn-taking play in children and collect behavioural data. In this WiP, we present the preliminary results of a pilot test involving a pair of neurodivergent twins. The initial data analysis indicates that the platform is able to quantify key behavioural indexes – e.g., compliance with turn-taking rules; joint attention; physical interaction with the toy – which reflect the social and play dynamics between child and therapist. We therefore propose the platform as a potential tool for early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders, both to foster this critical competence and to objectively monitor the child’s performance.