At Dynseo, we are driven by a deep conviction: every child has a unique potential that just needs to flourish. However, we know that the path of learning is not a straight line. For some children, particularly those with mild intellectual disabilities (MID), this path may seem fraught with obstacles. Traditional teaching methods, often designed on a one-size-fits-all model, can become a source of frustration rather than a lever for progress. It is from this observation that we imagined and developed our solutions. We do not believe that a child should adapt to a tool, but that the tool should be shaped, with intelligence and kindness, to the abilities and pace of each child.
It is in this spirit that we designed COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE, our duo of playful educational applications. Our goal is not to offer a simple collection of games, but a true learning ecosystem that grows with the child. For a child with MID, this adaptability is not just a comfort; it is the cornerstone of their motivation and progress. Far from being a magic wand, our approach aims to be a reliable companion that constantly adjusts the journey so that each step is a stimulating challenge, not an insurmountable trial. We invite you to discover how our philosophy translates concretely into our tools and how we work for a more inclusive and rewarding learning experience.
Before presenting our solutions, it seems essential to take a clear and unbiased look at what a mild intellectual disability entails. Understanding the reality of these children is the first step in providing truly effective support.
What is mild intellectual disability?
Mild intellectual disability, sometimes referred to as mild intellectual developmental disorder, is primarily characterized by a slower learning pace than average. Affected children may encounter difficulties in conceptual, social, and practical areas. This is by no means an absence of ability to learn, but rather a need for different pedagogical approaches, more time, and repetition.
The challenges often lie in executive functions: planning, organization, working memory, or mental flexibility. Abstract concepts, such as complex mathematical notions or inferences in reading, can be more difficult to grasp. However, with appropriate support, these children can develop great autonomy, acquire solid academic and social skills, and thrive fully in their personal and future professional lives.
Everyday challenges: a course of invisible obstacles
For a child with MID, a school day can resemble an obstacle course. Following a multi-step instruction, staying focused during a long explanation, understanding the implicit in a statement... all these tasks require considerable cognitive effort. This cognitive fatigue can lead to disengagement, behavioral issues, or a repeated sense of failure. The fear of making mistakes can become paralyzing, inhibiting any attempts and initiative.
At home, the same challenges can arise during homework or daily tasks. The feeling of not measuring up can affect self-esteem in a lasting way. That is why support that values every small success is so fundamental. Confidence must be built brick by brick, ensuring that the foundations are solid.
The imperative of a personalized approach
In the face of this reality, it becomes clear that a one-size-fits-all pedagogical approach is ineffective, even counterproductive. Forcing a child to follow a pace that is not theirs is like asking them to run a marathon in shoes that are too small. Frustration and abandonment are likely outcomes.
True help lies in personalization. It is about finding the right balance, the "zone of proximal development" where the child is neither in a situation of certain failure nor in a boring comfort zone. They need a challenge that is tailored to them, encouraging them to push their limits a little more each day. This philosophy is precisely at the heart of our COCO application.
COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE: Our adaptive response
Building on this observation, we developed COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE. They are not just applications, but learning partners designed to adjust in real-time to the specific needs of each child.
Our educational duo at the service of the child
Our program consists of two complementary components, as we believe that cognitive development is inseparable from physical well-being.
- COCO PENSE: This application focuses on stimulating all essential cognitive functions. Through a vast library of games, we work on memory, attention, logic, language, reasoning, visual-spatial perception, and much more. Each game is designed to be fun and engaging, so that learning happens through enjoyment.
- COCO BOUGE: Because movement is essential for learning and concentration, COCO BOUGE offers activities that combine simple physical exercises with cognitive challenges. For example, the child must memorize a sequence of movements or answer a logic question while performing a posture. This approach helps channel energy, improve coordination, and strengthen neural connections.
For a child with MID, this dual approach is particularly beneficial. It allows for varied learning supports and anchors new skills more deeply.
The heart of our technology: the adaptive algorithm
The true innovation of COCO lies in its engine: an intelligent and adaptive algorithm. Imagine a personal tutor that constantly observes the child, understands their strengths and weaknesses, and always offers the perfect exercise at the right moment. That is what our technology does.
When the child plays, the application continuously analyzes their performance: their success rate, response time, and the types of errors made. Based on this data, the difficulty level of the subsequent games is automatically adjusted. If the child succeeds easily, the challenge gradually increases to avoid boredom. If they encounter difficulties, the application offers simpler exercises or revisits previous concepts to consolidate the foundations, all without ever putting them in a stigmatizing failure situation. It’s like a staircase where the steps adjust in height with each step, ensuring that the ascent is always possible.
Games designed to stimulate without ever discouraging
Each game in our catalog has been developed in collaboration with health and education professionals (neuropsychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists). The objective is twofold: to target specific cognitive skills and to maintain a high level of engagement.
The graphic universes are colorful and joyful, the instructions are clear, often auditory, and the interface is intuitive to allow the child to become autonomous quickly. The reward system is designed to be encouraging but not distracting. The child earns points, unlocks elements to personalize their avatar or their universe, which feeds their intrinsic motivation. For a child with MID, who often has low self-esteem, seeing their avatar progress and their score increase is a source of pride and a tangible proof of their abilities.
Adaptation in action: how COCO concretely supports the child
Beyond technology, it is the concrete impact on the daily life of the child and their surroundings that matters most to us. COCO is not an isolated tool; it is a bridge between the child, their parents, their teachers, and their therapists.
A unique and tailored learning journey
With COCO, no two journeys are alike. From the very first sessions, the application creates a cognitive profile of the child. This profile is not fixed; it evolves constantly through the games. The algorithm then draws from the activity library to propose a personalized program.
For example, if the application detects a weakness in working memory but a strength in logic, it will propose more memorization games while integrating more complex logical challenges to maintain motivation. This fine personalization allows for targeted work on weaknesses without generating frustration, while capitalizing on strengths to boost self-confidence.
Valuing every success to rebuild confidence
We have placed great importance on positive reinforcement. In a school system where mistakes are often penalized, children with learning difficulties can develop a true "fear of failure." COCO takes the opposite approach.
Every correct answer is celebrated with visual and auditory encouragement. There is no punitive "game over." In case of an error, the application provides hints or simplifies the question. The goal is to show the child that mistakes are part of the learning process and that they have the right to take their time, try, and try again. This kind approach is fundamental to demystifying learning and allowing the child to rediscover the joy of discovery and the courage to take risks.
A precise and readable follow-up for accompanying adults
COCO is not a black box. We have designed a follow-up interface dedicated to parents, teachers, and professionals. This secure space allows for clear and detailed visualization of the child's progress.
You can consult:
- The time spent on the application.
- The scores obtained in each cognitive category (memory, attention, etc.).
- The evolution of performance over time.
These objective data are valuable. They allow for navigating without guesswork. For a teacher, it is a means to precisely identify a student's difficulties and adapt their teaching in class. For parents, it is a way to track progress and better understand their child's needs. For a speech therapist or psychomotor therapist, it is a complementary tool to prepare their sessions and measure the impact of their intervention.
Beyond the application: Training adults to create a caring ecosystem
We are convinced that a tool, no matter how effective, can only express its full potential if used by trained and informed individuals. That is why our commitment does not stop at the development of our applications. We also invest in training the adults surrounding the child.
Our commitment to the teaching staff
Teachers are on the front lines. They manage heterogeneous classes with often limited resources. Identifying and supporting a student with MID or a DYS disorder requires specific skills. To meet this need, we have created a comprehensive training program.
Our training: "Identifying and supporting DYS disorders in primary school"
Although this training focuses on DYS disorders (dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, etc.), the tools and strategies it offers are entirely relevant and transferable for supporting students with mild intellectual disabilities. Indeed, the difficulties often overlap (attention, working memory, organization).
Our training, accessible online, aims to provide teachers with concrete keys to:
- Identify the signs: Learn to spot the early warning signs of a learning disorder, without making a diagnosis but to be able to guide and adapt their pedagogy.
- Understand the mechanisms: Demystify the cognitive functioning of these children to better understand the origin of their difficulties.
- Implement pedagogical adaptations: Discover a toolbox of simple and effective adjustments to implement in the classroom (visual supports, simplified instructions, use of digital tools like COCO, etc.).
By equipping teachers, we enable them to create a more inclusive classroom environment, where every student, regardless of their difficulties, can find their place and progress.
Creating a bridge between school, home, and therapists
Our vision is one of tripartite collaboration. The COCO application, with its shared dashboard, and our training act as catalysts for this collaboration. When the teacher, parents, and therapist speak the same language, share the same observations, and use coherent tools, the support for the child becomes more effective and continuous. The follow-up from COCO becomes a support for objective dialogue, allowing everyone to contribute to the well-being and success of the child.
Towards successful inclusion and sustainable flourishing
Our ultimate goal goes far beyond succeeding at educational games. What we aim for is the autonomy, confidence, and flourishing of the child in all areas of their life.
Autonomy as the main objective
Thanks to its intuitive interface and adaptive system, COCO encourages the child to work independently. This ability to take charge, to manage a task from start to finish, is a fundamental skill. By practicing in a safe environment, the child gradually transfers this skill to other areas, whether it is doing homework, tidying their room, or participating in a group activity. Every session on COCO is one more step towards independence.
COCO, a caring companion
We do not claim to replace the irreplaceable human bond between a child and the adults who love and support them. We see COCO as a compass, a companion that offers the child a personal training space, available at any time, without judgment and always adapted to their level. It is a tool that complements and reinforces the wonderful work done by families, teachers, and therapists.
Our vision for the future of inclusive education
At Dynseo, we dream of a world where difference is no longer seen as an obstacle, but as a uniqueness. Mild intellectual disability does not define a child; it is just one facet of their personality. Our mission is to provide tools that allow us to look beyond difficulties to focus on potential. By adapting the level of our applications to the child's actual abilities, we send them a powerful message: "You are capable. You can progress. We believe in you." It is this message of hope and trust that we wish to spread, one child at a time.
The article "Mild intellectual disability: COCO adapts its level to the child's abilities" highlights the importance of adapting educational tools to the specific needs of children. In this regard, a related article that may interest you is The applications adapted for autistic children. This article explores how applications can be designed to meet the particular needs of autistic children, providing them with personalized and engaging learning tools. These digital resources play a crucial role in developing the cognitive and social skills of children with special needs.
