The AutismFIT project is focused on improving the physical and mental health of young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), aged 13-18, using cutting-edge tools like Virtual Reality and game-based learning environments. By incorporating everyday objects and custom-made games, the project encourages healthy eating and active living in an engaging and effective way.

AutismFIT aims to develop an inclusive programme that supports the growth of personal, social, learning, civic, and creative skills in youth with autism. The project will create a Toolkit that includes a Virtual Reality Simulation (VR) to support physical activity and stress management, and a custom-made game library using the Makey Makey Intervention Kit to encourage healthy eating habits.

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects 1% of the global population. As with all young people, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial for their well-being, yet these areas are often under-addressed for individuals with autism. The AutismFIT partnership, comprised of six partners from across Europe, will address this need by creating resources and support for a healthier lifestyle for teens on the spectrum.

Research shows that serious games (games designed for a purpose more than pure entertainment) and gamified learning environments (GLEs) are some of the most common ways of learning and enhancing a learner’s engagement and performance. These methods are especially recommended for learners with specific learning disorders and ADHD.

Aim

• Empower, engage and connect young people with autism through skill development and promotion of healthy eating habits.
• Improve the skills and digital abilities of youth workers, volunteers, and trainers (such as social workers, educators, physical instructors, and clinical dieticians) through a validated training programme. This training will help them better support young people with autism using innovative non-formal methods and digital tools, both online and offline.

Main target groups

• Young people aged 13-18 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Youth workers, volunteers, and trainers (e.g. social workers, educators, physical instructors, clinical dieticians) working with young people with ASD.
• Training providers/institutes, schools and learning centres.

Project activities

• Innovative Forums: Workshops involving youth workers, parents, young people with autism and experts such as dieticians and physical instructors. Their objective is to share co-design and holistic technology for it to be validated.
• Transnational Training Mobility: Training events in each partner country to inform staff about the AutismFIT methodology, best practices, and digital tools.
• Transnational Capacity-Building Training for youth workers: National and transnational capacity-building event to connect, engage, and enhance the healthy habits of teens with Autism.
• Launching Days: A campaign the partners will run to diffuse the project results and the organisation of the AutismFIT Fairs.
• AutismFIT Fairs: Workshops and events where the project results will be shared with the broader community.

Key results

• National Mindmaps (the results of the innovative forums will be shared in a more visual way, via the national mindmaps)
• Collection and categorisation of existing recommended programmes, tools and resource
• AutismFIT profile and competence framework
• AutismFIT Methodology (the methodology for creating content for the games, as well as using them)
• Validated Capacity Building Training for young people
• Accompanied Offline activities for young persons with autism
• Virtual Reality game for persons with autism
• Makey Makey Game Collection for young persons with autism
• Digital Platform (a repository of resources and best practices that promote the well being of people with autism)
• Multimedia Guide (instruction booklet that will help people with autism use the virtual reality games and activities)

Partnership

• • Internationaler Bund (Coordinator, Germany).
  • EASPD (Belgium)
  • Emphasys Centre (Cyprus)
  • AIAS Bologna (Italy)
  • Special School Nicosia (Cyprus)
  • Associação Portuguesa para as Perturbações do Desenvolvimento e Autismo de Coimbra Portugal (Portugal)

Duration

May 2024 – January 2026

EASPD contact:

Omor Ahmed: omor.ahmed@easpd.eu

Funding

Erasmus+ Cooperation partnerships in youth

Grant agreement number

2023-2-DE04-KA220-YOU-000178806