Initial validation of an assistive technology to enhance executive functioning among children with ADHD

Abstract

Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience a deficit in cognitive processes responsible for goal-directed behaviors, known as executive functioning (EF).In an effort to assist them, we developed TangiPlan -a prototype of a tangible assistive technology intended to improve EF during morning routines. TangiPlan was designed based on the following guidelines: implement intervention techniques recommended by experts; reduce conflicts with caregivers; avoid intrusion; support flexibility and autonomy. These design guidelines were implemented in a prototype consisting of six tangible objects, each representing a task that needs to be completed during a child's morning routine, and a tablet application for planning tasks and matching them with objects. An initial evaluation of the prototype with two case studies resulted in improved organization and time management, increased satisfaction, and fewer conflicts with parents during morning routines.

Changing Family Practices with Assistive Technology

“…Another example of a system that provides real-time feedback is 'CASTT' [40], which is designed to support children with ADHD in sustaining attention in the classroom. The system most related to our research is 'TangiPlan', a tangible interface designed to improve executive functioning for children with ADHD during their morning routines [46,48]. TangiPlan consists of multiple tangible objects each representing a task (e.g.…”

“…get dressed) and through an array of LED lights, the child is informed about the remaining time to complete the task. A paper prototype of TangiPlan was evaluated with three users [46] and later a 3D printed model was evaluated with two users [48] with positive feedback. However, TangiPlan, CASTT and ParentGuardian are all designed for the individual and not the family.…”

“…In our study, seven children received medication for their ADHD disorder; nevertheless, we still saw a positive impact for these families, suggesting that MOBERO did provide an effect medication could not provide. As both our own and the few existing studies [34,38,48] within the ADHD domain shows, HCI researchers are in a unique position to contribute with alternative solutions for empowering families and children with ADHD. By involving families and ADHD domain professionals into the design process, HCI researchers are able to identify and evaluate opportunities for technological support in specific situations.…”

“…In recent years, HCI researchers have demonstrated the potentials of using interactive technologies to assist people with various deficits and disorders [4,25,43]. However, only few examples of research within the HCI community have been reported on assistive technologies for the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) domain (although see [34,40,48]). ADHD is the most prevalent mental health diagnosis among children aged 3-17 [49] with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 5% among children and adolescents [35].…”

Guidelines to design tangible tabletop activities for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

“…The child situates the objects at the places where the tasks have to be performed and selects the time to be devoted to every task. A preliminary evaluation was conducted with two children to gauge their response when using the prototype (Zuckerman et al, 2015). Firstly, the authors asked the children and their respective parents to complete a Likert questionnaire about their satisfaction with the children's morning routines, the children's background and the parents' involvement in the mentioned routines.…”