DramaPlaya: A Multi-sensory Interactive Toolkit for the Home-Based Drama Therapy of Children with Developmental Delays

Psychosocial problems are the most common and persistent mental health issues among children with developmental delays (CDD). Notably, drama therapy has shown immense potential in alleviating psychological and behavioral symptoms in CDD, ultimately fostering positive behavioral transformations. This study proposes a novel, AI-enhanced drama therapy framework, aptly named “DramaPlaya”, which can be implemented within the comforts of one's home. By addressing the prevalent obstacles surrounding accessibility and engagement in traditional drama therapeutic approaches, this research aims to redefine the landscape of CDD therapy. “DramaPlaya” integrates a multi-sensory interactive toolkit with an online visualization system, aimed at enhancing engagement during therapy sessions and overcoming the lack of highly specialized therapists that impedes consistent therapeutic progress. Through qualitative methods involving in-depth interviews with therapists and caregivers, the study reveals critical insights into the engagement dynamics of CDD within home-based drama therapy sessions. The proposed toolkit employs a human-centered design, validated in specialized educational and theatrical environments, to deliver a personalized and engaging therapeutic experience. The findings of this study underscore the potential of “DramaPlaya” to establish a more dynamic and tailored avenue of interaction for children with developmental delays, thus potentially revolutionizing the accessibility and quality of home-based therapy for this demographic.