Building Empathy Through Identification and Expression of Emotions: A Review of Interactive Tools for Children With Social Deficits

Abstract

This article is a review of available interactive aids designed to enhance the identification and expression of feelings in children. These skills are part of the overall development of empathy. The development of empathy, in turn, is crucial for social competence, social relatedness, and prosocial behavior. Improving these skills is likely to improve the social functioning of children. Children and adolescents with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and autism spectrum disorder demonstrated significant social deficits, which can influence the development of empathy. The goal of this article is to describe five interactive aids to foster empathy by teaching a more accurate identification of emotions and expression of feelings.

Keywords:

• empathy
• social competence
• games
• videos
• social deficits
• counseling
• creativity