AI-driven art therapy: A domestic interactive platform for children with high-functioning autism

Abstract

Art therapy is widely applied in interventions for children with autism to promote emotional regulation and communication, yet it remains challenging to implement within daily home environments. Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) and generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology offer new pathways for delivering art-based healing within family settings. This study aims to develop a home-based interactive platform integrating art therapy, PCIT, and generative AI technology for children with high-functioning autism (HFA).This study employs Design Science Research. First, semi-structured interviews with parents and experts of HFA children were conducted to analyze their interaction patterns and identify pain points. Design strategies were then formulated based on PCIT's core principles, leading to the development of a product prototype and initial testing. Iterative refinements based on feedback resulted in the final product, which underwent evaluation.The design features an integrated interactive platform that combines art creation, AI story generation, and parent-child interaction prompts, comprising a drawing tablet and app. Children create artwork on the tablet surface, which AI analyzes to generate corresponding stories presented to users. During this interaction, the product guides parents via prompts displayed on their app, encouraging them to respond to and guide their child's creations. This extends human-machine interaction into high-quality parent-child engagement.The study confirmed the feasibility of integrating PCIT, AI technology, and art therapy within home settings. Preliminary evidence indicates this prototype reduces parental guidance pressure while effectively enhancing parent-child interaction quality. It offers innovative insights for traditional art therapy and provides a viable model for AI technology to strengthen human emotional connections.

Keywords: Art Therapy, High-functioning Autism, Parent-child Interactive Therapy, Generative Artificial Intelligence

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007575