The Role of User Emotional Attachment in Driving the Engagement of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Using a Smartphone App Designed to Develop Social and Life Skill Functioning

Abstract

Abstract. There has been, in the last ten years, a fast developing interest in the potential use of mobile technology in the classroom and in particular, in the use of such technology to support children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders). The HANDS project developed a software application for mobile Smartphones based on the principles of persuasive technology design, which supports children with ASD with social and life skills functioning -areas of ability which tend to be impaired in this population. Issues with the application of a behaviorist approach to the complex social field of special educational needs are considered. An argument is made for the need for 'thick' persuasive applications which take account of such complexity including the role of mediating factors. Particular focus is given to qualitative results indicating that user emotional attachment is one such key factor.

Multi-Touch Collaborative Gesture Recognition Based User Interfaces as Behavioral Interventions for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Review

“…A note-worthy point in this approach is that the UI designers have considered, among other factors, Chilean culture as an important element in the design. This cultural feature in the designed application has reflected in the analyzed results given in [27]. According to these results, the designed application serves to be a good learning medium in context of cultural values for the ASD affected children.…”

“…[22], [23], [24] [25], [26], [27] [28], [29], [30] [31], [32], [33] [34], [35] [34], [36] [37], [38], [39] [40], [41], [42] [43], [44] [45], [46], [47], [48] FIG. 1 Attempts have already been made by researchers in this field to divert the attention of HCI experts towards easy use of search engines and digital libraries by children [6].…”

“…Table interface mentioned in[27] is yet another innovation done specifically for the HFASD affected children. This interface, as proposed by the authors is a cooperation-enforcing interface.…”

On the Adaptability and Applicability of Multi-touch User Interfaces Addressing Behavioral Interventions for Children with Autism

“…CBT based interfaces are more helpful for ASD children having anxiety disorder [21]. One such application was developed in [22] this application is explicitly developed for High-functioning ASD. It is based on the collaborative effort of CBT experts and software interface designers.…”

Can you Teach Children with That App? Using Mobile Technology to Teach Health Education in Grades 4 and 5

“…Ostashewski, Reid and Ostashewski describe how iPads are beneficial in areas such as mobile small group demonstrations, student directed playback-and-practice activities and leading large group demonstrations [20]. Additionally, many studies have tested mobile applications in special education settings to develop social and life skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders with implications for students with ADHD [17] [18]. Teacher perceptions have long been infused with belief that handheld mobile devices aide students in achieving higher scores over traditional paper and pencil [26].…”