Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial and Feasibility Evaluation of a Large Language Model- Based Digital Social Interaction Programme to Improve the Social Communication Skills of Autistic Children in China

Authors

  • Vicky Yiran Zhao ALSOLIFE Global, China
  • Will Farr University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/aau.icdvrat26.14

Abstract

In China, 0.7% of school‑aged children have autism. Access to long‑term social communication intervention remains limited. We evaluate a large-language-model-based digital social interaction programme designed for autistic children in China aged between 3-8 years old. The intervention integrates social story videos with real-time LLM-driven conversational practice to enhance social communication skills. Randomized controlled trial will compare the digital intervention plus standard care, with standard care alone over 12-weeks. Primary outcomes: Vineland-3 Socialization score. Secondary measure: Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC). We aim to provide evidence for AI-supported home-based social communication interventions for young children with autism.

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Published

14-09-2026

How to Cite

Zhao, V. Y., & Farr, W. (2026). Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial and Feasibility Evaluation of a Large Language Model- Based Digital Social Interaction Programme to Improve the Social Communication Skills of Autistic Children in China. Proceedings of the International Conference on Disability, Virtual Reality & Associated Technologies. https://doi.org/10.54337/aau.icdvrat26.14