How can technology serve people and improve their lives? This question drives Elham Iravani, a doctoral student at the University of Wuppertal. Years ago, while working on a project on improving joint attention in children with autism spectrum disorder, she had an idea. "I always dreamed of one day being able to turn it into reality and create something that would help children with autism. I just had to find the right moment to take the first step,” she explains. That moment came when she read the call for applications for the University of Münster's ’Falling Walls Lab‘. “I immediately felt that this was the right place to finally share my idea with others."

The presentation of the concept in Münster was an unforgettable experience. “The atmosphere was inspiring and very encouraging. It was an incredible feeling to see how the audience and the jury reacted to my idea. That moment really motivated me and gave me the confidence to continue and realize my vision,” she recalls of the first public presentation of her idea in mid-September.

The Falling Walls Lab Münster was one of only three nationwide preliminary rounds for the upcoming prestigious Falling Walls Science Summit. The global summit takes place annually around the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Under the theme “Which walls will fall next in science and society?”, it brings together guests and leading figures from science, politics, civil society, business and the media. On 6 November, Elham Iravani will have the opportunity to compete against others there.

Elham Iravani: “Winning first place at the Falling Walls Lab Münster was a very significant moment for me. It showed me that my idea is truly valuable and addresses something important in our society – one of the next walls that needs to fall!”

From an idea to a labour of love

During her project at the time, she got to know children with autism. Observing them during diagnosis and therapy sessions was a special experience that left a lasting impression on her. “I realized how important early intervention is,” says Elham Iravani. She remembers a ten-year-old girl who couldn't speak because therapy hadn't started early enough. “When intervention starts in the first years of life, significant progress is often possible. Even if there is no cure for Autism yet, early and effective support can significantly improve the quality of life for people with autism,” says Iravani.

She reflects: “What if we could use something simple and familiar, such as a child's toy, to observe how children interact with the toy and thus detect early signs of autism spectrum disorder that are difficult for parents and doctors to recognize in the early years?” Such a tool could be available in every household, even where families do not have the necessary knowledge for early detection or the resources. The result was an idea that has been close to her heart ever since and reflects her passion for combining technology and medicine to make a positive impact on society.

From idea to prototype

The development of the toy is not part of her doctoral thesis, but a separate idea that she is pursuing out of her personal interest. “However, my extensive experience in research and technology is being incorporated into its development,” explains the scientist, who worked in the field of robotics at Bielefeld University, among other places, before beginning her doctorate at the University of Wuppertal.

When asked how she herself assesses the prospects of the toy one day being used in the diagnostics of autism, Iravani says: “It's too early to say, but my goal is clearly to investigate how playful interaction can provide useful insights for the early detection and support of children with autism.”

Berlin, Berlin – Elham Iravani travels to Berlin

Having the opportunity to present her idea in Berlin means a great deal to Elham Iravani: ‘It's a wonderful opportunity to reach an even wider audience, share my idea and get more feedback from a diverse community of scientists. I'm really looking forward to it.”