Awareness Level of Autistic Teachers about the Extent of Using Assistive Technologies in Teaching Students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia مـدى وعـي معلمـي التـوحـد بإستخـدام التقنيـات المسـاعــدة  في تدريس الطلاب ذو إضطراب طيف التوحد في المملكة العربية السعودية

Abstract

This study aimed to identify autistic teachers' level of awareness regarding the use of Assistive Technologies (ATs) in teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. A quantitative approach was employed with a questionnaire as the research tool. The questionnaire was created by the researcher. Based on previous studies, the questionnaire included 19 items that measured the level of awareness of autistic teachers regarding the extent ATs are utilized in teaching students with ASD in Saudi Arabia. The study sample included (54) teachers who taught students with ASD in Saudi Arabia. The results indicated there is a high level of awareness (92.0%) among teachers of students with ASD regarding the extent of the use of ATs in teaching students with ASD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, teachers with a Master's degree have a higher level of awareness regarding the use of AT than teachers with only a Bachelor's degree. These results could improve the field of special education regarding the use of ATs. The study recommended further teacher training regarding the use of ATs in the field of ASD as well as additional research assessing the effectiveness of ATs for other disabilities.