Color-Coded Emotional Learning Serious Games for Children with Autism: Foregrounding Facial Expression Recognition & Accessibility

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects one in every thirty-six children worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent cognitive disabilities. Classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder, ASD impairs an individual's ability to recognize and respond to emotions in social interactions. Difficulties in understanding their own emotions or those of others can significantly impact a child's development and communication skills. To address this challenge, the Muheet application introduces a novel approach to emotion perception by leveraging synesthesia, enabling individuals to associate emotions with specific colors. This is achieved through interactive games designed to train the mind in recognizing emotions through logically assigned color associations. Additionally, AI-based facial expression recognition validates this process, ensuring accuracy and engagement. Developed using agile methodology and designed with accessibility guidelines in mind, Muheet ensures inclusivity for all users. A survey conducted to evaluate its effectiveness revealed that 78% of participants expressed confidence in Muheet's methodology and its potential to improve emotional communication for children with autism.