Samsung's 'Look At Me' app aims to help families living with autism

By Sonya Davidson

On  December 2014, Samsung Canada partnered with Autism Speaks Canada to launch the "Look At Me' Project, an app designed for families with kids living with autism. Canadian families were given the opportunity to apply for one of the 200 Samsung devices pre-loaded with the app. 

This week Samsung and Autism Speaks Canada provided us with an update and early progress report on how the families were doing with the app and the opportunity to meet with families to learn about their experience first hand.

"It's been an incredibly insightful learning journey for us and our partners, and the many families who are living with Autism," says Mark Childs, CMO of Samsung Canada. "I hope that we can inspire everyone to understand that technology does have a role as a tool to help families, and particularly their children living with Autism."

The app that can be used on Samsung's tablets and smartphone devices uses the camera feature to help children begin to make eye contact with themselves and then with family friends. The purpose is to help the children begin to decode, understand emotions and learn at their pace.

The idea for the app started in Korea within the Samsung corporation in partnership with leading experts, psychologists, psychiatrists from around the world to help find ways to bring moble technology as a supportive tool to these families. Canada is one of the first countries in the world to explore how the technology can come to life with families.

Over 60 milion people worldwide suffer from Autism. Autism Speaks Canada is the largest advocate for awareness and scientific research for Autism in the world and has invested over $200 million into scientific research overall. 

Autism takes a look at three key areas of development; social interaction, communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviours. "The important thing to know about Autism is it's not that easy to diagnose, there is no blood test or medical test for it," says Esther Rhee, National Program Director, Autism Speaks Canada.

Why is the technology of interest to organizations like Autism Speaks Canada? Esther goes on to explain how the common method of communication is carrying around a binder with pictures. But with the use of the app, not only is it faster for children to show their feelings but it also gives them a sense of belonging and encourages better self esteem. Having access to a tablet or smartphone also makes them feel current and like they belong.

Fi Ferraro, mom of three children all with varying degrees on the Autism spectrum tearfully explained her family's experience with the app. "A lot of apps out there are individual based, but the Look At Me app has pushed my kids to engage and make eye contact," said Ferraro. "The kids just want to be accepted. They don't want to be alone. We're hopeful for what tomorrow brings."

The Samsung Look At Me app is available (free) Google Play. Compatible devices include Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/S5, Samsung Galaxy Note 2/Note3/Note4, Samsung Galaxy Zoom/Zoom2, and Samsung Galaxy Tab S