Buddybooks with collaborative strategic reading for students with autism - the goal of this phase i sbir project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using AI-assisted collaborative strategic…

Buddybooks with collaborative strategic reading for students with autism - the goal of this phase i sbir project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using AI-assisted collaborative strategic reading to improve reading skills for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our objectives include: (1) defining the requirements for modifications to our AI-based literacy improvement tool buddybooks for students with autism, entitled bbsa, to provide generative AI-assisted collaborative strategic reading, (2) implementing the modifications, (3) creating the training guide, (4) evaluating teacher satisfaction and perceived effectiveness of the system, with the goal of achieving a "high" rating for bbsa's potential to enhance comprehension among students with ASD. The intended outcome of this phase i project is that the teachers will find this intervention useful in improving their students' readings skills. The outcome will be measured through administering surveys to the students and their teacher. The expected product is a system that helps ASD students improve their reading skills under teacher guidance. Improved reading skills in ASD students have been shown to improve education, employment and quality of life outcomes.