Hong Kong Advances AI Solutions for Autism Therapy

In recent years, technological innovation has reshaped the way therapies for autism spectrum disorder are developed and delivered. As part of this shift, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven solutions, introducing two groundbreaking innovations: Bridge AI’s 3i-Learning System and Pelios, a smart wristband designed to monitor and detect emotional states.

The 3i-Learning System enhances traditional Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, as well as other interventions, by integrating artificial intelligence and wearables to support children with ASD more effectively and efficiently.

Traditional ABA Therapy and Its Challenges

For many children with ASD, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) serves as a cornerstone of therapy and is widely recognized as the leading method for improving communication, social skills, and overall development. However, traditional ABA therapy involves extensive preparation, including goal setting, implementation, data collection, and regular review to ensure meaningful progress.

Therapists must juggle creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), implementing goals, collecting data, maintaining engagement with the child, and reviewing results—all of which can be tedious and resource-intensive. Unfortunately, many individuals dedicated to supporting children with ASD often lack the access, time, and resources needed to undergo the extensive training and supervision required to effectively manage traditional ABA programs.

Bridge AI, a Hong Kong-based system founded by Victor Wong (founder of Bridge Academy and School Supervisor of Aoi Pui School), seeks to transform ABA therapy. Victor explains, “Our system utilizes artificial intelligence to assist therapists in designing more efficient and effective education plans tailored to each individual child’s needs.”

Bridge AI’s 3i-Learning System Redefines ABA

Bridge AI’s 3i-Learning System is a comprehensive solution designed to assist child care teams in conducting assessments, creating IEPs/ITPs with AI support, running sessions, recording performance data and notes, reviewing progress, and generating reports. With a database of over 11,000 goals, the system helps multidisciplinary teams in special education create and adapt IEPs/ITPs by recommending short-term goals, activities, and performance components tailored to each child’s needs.

The system integrates multiple tools for a seamless process: a device camera (e.g., an iPad) to record sessions, another device for therapist data input, an optional smart wristband to detect emotional states, and an environmental sensor to monitor factors like light intensity, temperature, humidity, and CO2 levels. These tools work together in real-time, notifying professionals of any abnormalities in the environment.

During sessions, therapists input data, and the system automatically collates it with notes, session recordings, wristband feedback, and environmental data. This streamlined process allows for quick reviews and program adaptations, improving both efficiency and outcomes.

Bridge AI reports that this technology can reduce therapy costs by 90%, while also enhancing collaboration between parents, teachers, and therapists. By integrating video, audio, and wristband data, the system tracks learning progress and identifies challenges, enabling the creation of highly tailored education plans and learning tasks for SEN students.

A 2023 scientific study found that the 3i-Learning System's machine learning models and deep neural networks achieved 98% accuracy and 97% precision in predicting behavior changes among over 500 SEN students in Hong Kong and Singapore since 2020. Additionally, the system uses AI to automatically track and scan children’s movements, collecting real-time data for 20 goals, with plans to expand as more data becomes available.  As Victor explains:

Pelios: Smart Wristband for Emotional Insights

"Pelios" is the first emotion prediction and recognition wearable device designed specifically for SEN students. Developed for children aged 2 to 6, this simple wristband is worn during sessions and is approximately 75% effective in detecting five emotional states: neutral, positive, sadness, anger, and fear. Equipped with custom sensors, an infrared thermometer, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope, the device collects data and alerts parents, teachers, or therapists when specific emotional states are identified.

The wristband acts as a supplementary tool to help caregivers anticipate and respond to potential escalations, aggression, meltdowns, illness, or other challenges. It integrates seamlessly with Bridge AI’s software, displaying the child’s current emotional state within the program during sessions. Users can also review past sessions through video recordings and data paired with wristband feedback.

This innovative tool provides valuable insights into emotional regulation, enabling those working with SEN students to build rapport more quickly and ensure sessions are both productive and effective.

The Role of the 3i-Learning System in Special Education Across Asia

The 3i-Learning System system has recently been introduced to support children with special education needs in Hong Kong. Organizations such as Aoi Pui School, Caritas Hong Kong, Po Leung Kuk, the Hospital Authority, and Heep Hong Society are using the system.

Beyond Hong Kong, the system has also been introduced in other parts of Asia, including THK in Singapore, where it is used to enhance SEN programs.

To help educators and caregivers effectively integrate the system into their work, a 42-hour training program is available, culminating in Chartered Special Needs Tutor (CSNT) accreditation. This program provides participants with a practical understanding of the platform and its potential applications in SEN settings.

How Technology is Enhancing Autism Therapy with Personalized and Cost-Effective Solutions

With innovation driving progress in autism therapy, families now have access to more personalized and cost-effective solutions. Technologies like the 3i-Learning System, developed by Victor and the dedicated team at the Bridge Foundation—who operate Bridge Academy and Aoi Pui School—are paving the way for tailored approaches to support children with special education needs.

These advancements streamline therapy processes, enabling more efficient monitoring, individualized plans, and real-time data analysis. As technology continues to evolve, families can expect reduced costs and improved accessibility, making autism therapy more effective and inclusive for children worldwide.