Principal investigator at the CHU Sainte-Justine
Pr. Guillaume Dumas
Main objective
Pop’Balloons is a serious video game designed to measure and track changes in movement- and cognition-related skills. Using this game, we will compare key information from children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with children who are not diagnosed. First, we will use these data to assess whether Pop’Balloons could be used as a tool to support ASD diagnosis. Then, we will examine whether Pop’Balloons could serve as a useful tool for clinical monitoring of autism over time. Using a serious game like Pop’Balloons could make care for autistic individuals more engaging and more personalized.
Who can participate?
Children and adolescents aged 10‑17, with or without an autism diagnosis. Fluent in French or English.
Who can not participate?
Any condition that prevents the use of a mixed-reality headset (e.g., blindness, strabismus or eye muscle dysfunction, paralysis of the upper and/or lower limbs, epilepsy, migraines, or vertigo).
How will the study be conducted?
Your participation involves a single visit to the CHU Sainte‑Justine laboratory for a gameplay session. At the start of the appointment, the research team reviews the Information and Consent Form in detail and explains all the tasks to be completed. Once you and your child confirm that everything is fully understood, the form is signed and the session begins.
Before starting the game, child participants complete a series of clinical tests. They then put on a mixed‑reality headset (HoloLens 2) and play the video game Pop’Balloons. The game begins with a tutorial explaining the instructions, followed by several levels in motor mode and cognitive mode.
While the child is playing, the parent remains in the room and completes the required questionnaires.
At the end of the session, the child completes a brief questionnaire assessing their experience, including enjoyment and ease of use of the game.
Depending on the participant group, the research team may review the child’s medical record to retrieve results from tests or questionnaires previously completed.
For children with ASD, medical records are reviewed to obtain scores collected during the diagnostic process that are required for the study.
For children without ASD, medical records are reviewed only if parents or legal guardians confirm that the child has already completed one or more of the assessments required by the study.
In all cases, if any required information is missing from the medical record, the child will complete the missing tests or questionnaires during the visit.
Why participate?
There is no direct personal benefit from participating in this research. We hope that the knowledge gained from this study will be useful in the future for youth with developmental disorders. To support scientific curiosity and enrich the experience, interested participants may visit our laboratory at the end of the session. This visit will provide an overview of ongoing projects as well as the tools and methods used in our research.
Risks and inconvenients
Participation in this study does not involve major risks. The only potential inconveniences are those associated with mixed reality, such as mild sensations similar to motion sickness or minor discomfort from wearing the headset. The participant may stop at any time, without consequences, if it becomes too uncomfortable.
Project team
- Mariem Hafsia
- Maya Behlouli
- Rémy Ramadour
- Guillaume Dumas
Partnerships
Mila - Quebec AI Institute
Contact information
Mariem Hafsia
mariem.hafsia.hsj@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
To participate
Write to us:
- mariem.hafsia.hsj@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
- maya.behlouli@umontreal.ca
Or scan our QR code:
