Logo PTI Logo FedCSIS

Communication Papers of the 19th Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems (FedCSIS)

Annals of Computer Science and Information Systems, Volume 41

Autism Spectrum Disorder Learning Application Framework (ASDLAF) Evaluation: ASD Users’ Perspectives

, ,

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15439/2024F3189

Citation: Communication Papers of the 19th Conference on Computer Science and Intelligence Systems (FedCSIS), M. Bolanowski, M. Ganzha, L. Maciaszek, M. Paprzycki, D. Ślęzak (eds). ACSIS, Vol. 41, pages 9–18 ()

Full text

Abstract. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that causes lifelong impairments in social interaction and communication skills. Besides early interventions and ASD services, technology has become essential in assisting ASD individuals in building and improving their communication and social skills. However, most technological innovations have been developed for Western countries. When considering Saudi Arabia as a developing country, people with ASD may have to deal with other difficulties, such as culture, privacy, and societal integration. To address this, we developed and evaluated a framework to investigate the factors that most influence the adoption of ASD Learning Applications (LA). Additionally, 16 hypotheses were defined to test specific relationships between the factors. A quantitative method was utilised to design our experimental study. This paper presents an evaluation of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Learning Application Framework (ASDLAF) from the perspective of individuals with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Utilising a quantitative approach, data was gathered through a survey with a total of 395 participants. Results of hypotheses testing revealed significant support for most factors except social rules (SR), religion (RE), and age (AG). These findings underscore the importance of cultural, technological, and pedagogical considerations in technology adoption for ASD individuals. The results also suggest that while the ASDLAF may be effective in addressing certain factors of ASD learning applications, there are still areas that need to be further developed to meet the specific cultural and religious needs of individuals in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it will be essential for developers and stakeholders to consider these factors in order to create more beneficial and effective learning tools for individuals with ASD in this region.

References

  1. I. M. Hopkins et al., ‘Avatar Assistant: Improving Social Skills in Students with an ASD Through a Computer-Based Intervention’, J Autism Dev Disord, vol. 41, no. 11, pp. 1543–1555, Nov. 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1179-z.
  2. J. Bishop, ‘The Internet for educating individuals with social impairments: Educating individuals with social impairments’, Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 546–556, Dec. 2003, http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.0266-4909.2003.00057.x.
  3. S. M. Al-Salehi, E. H. Al-Hifthy, and M. Ghaziuddin, ‘Autism in Saudi Arabia: Presentation, Clinical Correlates and Comorbidity’, Transcult Psychiatry, vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 340–347, Jun. 2009, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1363461509105823.
  4. P. T. Shattuck, A. M. Roux, L. E. Hudson, J. L. Taylor, M. J. Maenner, and J.-F. Trani, ‘Services for Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder’, Can J Psychiatry, vol. 57, no. 5, pp. 284–291, May 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/070674371205700503.
  5. M. J. Maenner et al., ‘Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2016’, MMWR Surveill. Summ., vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1–12, Mar. 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss6904a1.
  6. S. Camarata, ‘Early identification and early intervention in autism spectrum disorders: Accurate and effective?’, International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1–10, Feb. 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17549507.2013.858773.
  7. A. Seif Eldin et al., ‘Use of M-CHAT for a multinational screening of young children with autism in the Arab countries’, International Review of Psychiatry, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 281–289, 2008, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09540260801990324.
  8. S. Bölte, O. Golan, M. S. Goodwin, and L. Zwaigenbaum, ‘What can innovative technologies do for Autism Spectrum Disorders?’, Autism, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 155–159, May 2010, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1362361310365028.
  9. O. Golan and S. Baron-Cohen, ‘Systemizing empathy: Teaching adults with Asperger syndrome or high-functioning autism to recognize complex emotions using interactive multimedia’, Develop. Psychopathol., vol. 18, no. 02, Jun. 2006, http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954579406060305.
  10. A. L. Wainer and B. R. Ingersoll, ‘The use of innovative computer technology for teaching social communication to individuals with autism spectrum disorders’, Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 96–107, Jan. 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.08.002.
  11. A. Rapp, F. Cena, R. Castaldo, R. Keller, and M. Tirassa, ‘Designing technology for spatial needs: Routines, control and social competences of people with autism’, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, vol. 120, pp. 49–65, Dec. 2018, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.07.005.
  12. C. E. Burton, D. H. Anderson, M. A. Prater, and T. T. Dyches, ‘Video Self-Modeling on an iPad to Teach Functional Math Skills to Adolescents With Autism and Intellectual Disability’, Focus Autism Other Dev Disabl, vol. 28, no. 2, pp. 67–77, Jun. 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1088357613478829.
  13. M. A. Prater, N. Carter, C. Hitchcock, and P. Dowrick, ‘Video self-modeling to improve academic performance: A literature review’, Psychol. Schs., vol. 49, no. 1, pp. 71–81, Jan. 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/pits.20617.
  14. S. A. Samadi and R. McConkey, ‘Autism in Developing Countries: Lessons from Iran’, Autism Research and Treatment, vol. 2011, pp. 1–11, 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/145359.
  15. C. E. Hill, K. D. Loch, D. Straub, and K. El-Sheshai, ‘A Qualitative Assessment of Arab Culture and Information Technology Transfer’:, Journal of Global Information Management, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 29–38, Jul. 1998, http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/jgim.1998070103.
  16. A. Al-Krenawi, ‘Mental health practice in Arab countries’, Current Opinion in Psychiatry, vol. 18, no. 5, pp. 560–564, Sep. 2005, http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.yco.0000179498.46182.8b.
  17. R. E. Gearing, M. J. MacKenzie, R. W. Ibrahim, K. B. Brewer, J. S. Batayneh, and C. S. J. Schwalbe, ‘Stigma and Mental Health Treatment of Adolescents with Depression in Jordan’, Community Ment Health J, vol. 51, no. 1, pp. 111–117, Jan. 2015, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10597-014-9756-1.
  18. A. Al-Wabil, H. Al-Shabanat, R. Al-Sarrani, and M. Al-Khonin, ‘Developing a Multimedia Environment to Aid in Vocalization for People on the Autism Spectrum: A User-Centered Design Approach’, in Computers Helping People with Special Needs, vol. 6180, K. Miesenberger, J. Klaus, W. Zagler, and A. Karshmer, Eds., in Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 6180. , Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2010, pp. 33–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14100-3_6.
  19. T. abu-Gazzeh, ‘Privacy as the Basis of Architectural Planning in the‏.pdf’, Architecture & Behaviou, vol. 11 (3–4), pp. 269–288, 1996.
  20. Y. Almazni, N. Beloff, and M. White, ‘ASDLAF: A Novel Autism Spectrum Disorder Learning Application Framework for Saudi Adults’, in Intelligent Systems and Applications, vol. 542, K. Arai, Ed., in Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems, vol. 542. , Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2023, pp. 442–458. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-16072-1_33.
  21. J. F. Hair, W. C. Black, B. J. Babin, and R. E. Anderson, Multivariate data analysis: A global perspective, 7th ed. London: Pearson, 2010.
  22. K. White, W. R. Borg, and B. R. Worthen, measurement and evaluation in the schools.pdf. New York: Longman, 1993.
  23. General Authority for Statistics, ‘Population Summary Report’, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, statistic 2, 2022.
  24. A. Alkhateeb, R. Alboali, W. Alharbi, and O. Saleh, ‘Smartphone addiction and its complications related to health and daily activities among university students in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter study’, J Family Med Prim Care, vol. 9, no. 7, p. 3220, 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1224_19.
  25. The General Authority for Statistics (GAStat), ‘Population in Kingdom by Gender, Age Group,and Nationality (Saudi/Non-Saudi)’, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.stats.gov.sa/en/1007-0
  26. A. Khan, H. AlGhadeer, A. Al-Qassimi, T. Al-Jubran, H. Al-Momen, and M. Al-Nazzal, ‘Autism in Saudi Arabia, a challenge to Saudi families: a cross-sectional study’, IJMDC, pp. 1453–1458, 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.24911/IJMDC.51-1595277794.
  27. N. Khanlou, A. Khan, L. M. Vazquez, and M. Zangeneh, ‘Digital Literacy, Access to Technology and Inclusion for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities’, J Dev Phys Disabil, vol. 33, no. 1, pp. 1–25, Feb. 2021, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10882-020-09738-w.
  28. P. Ghanouni, T. Jarus, J. G. Zwicker, and J. Lucyshyn, ‘The Use of Technologies Among Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Barriers and Challenges’, J Spec Educ Technol, vol. 35, no. 4, pp. 286–294, Dec. 2020, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0162643419888765.
  29. S. Ramdoss, W. Machalicek, M. Rispoli, A. Mulloy, R. Lang, and M. O’Reilly, ‘Computer-based interventions to improve social and emotional skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review’, Developmental Neurorehabilitation, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 119–135, Apr. 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/17518423.2011.651655.
  30. A. Marshall, Principles of Economics. Prometheus, 1997.
  31. D. W. Dew and G. M. Alan, ‘Rehabilitation of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.pdf’, Institute on Rehabilitation Issues Monograph No. 32, Washington, DC: The George Washington University, Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education, 2007.
  32. M. A. Alsehemi, M. M. Abousaadah, R. A. Sairafi, and M. M. Jan, ‘Public awareness of autism spectrum disorder’, NSJ, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 213–215, Jul. 2017, http://dx.doi.org/10.17712/nsj.2017.3.20160525.
  33. S. R. Colorosa and C. J. Makela, ‘Integrative Literature Review- Styles of Learning for Autism Spectrum Disorders and Human Resource Development- Informing Performance Management’, 2014.
  34. J. M. Cafiero, ‘Technology Supports for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders’, J Spec Educ Technol, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 64–76, Mar. 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/016264341202700106.
  35. A. M. O’Brien, R. W. Schlosser, C. Yu, A. A. Allen, and H. C. Shane, ‘Repurposing a Smartwatch to Support Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Sensory and Operational Considerations’, J Spec Educ Technol, vol. 36, no. 4, pp. 215–226, Dec. 2021, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0162643420904001.
  36. S. Khan, M. N. Tahir, and A. Raza, ‘Usability issues for smartphone users with special needs — Autism’, in 2013 International Conference on Open Source Systems and Technologies, Lahore, Pakistan: IEEE, Dec. 2013, pp. 107–113. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ICOSST.2013.6720615.
  37. Y. M. Al-Farsi, M. M. Al-Sharbati, O. A. Al-Farsi, M. S. Al-Shafaee, D. R. Brooks, and M. I. Waly, ‘Brief Report: Prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorders in the Sultanate of Oman’, J Autism Dev Disord, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 821–825, Jun. 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-010-1094-8.
  38. M. L. Ganz, ‘The Lifetime Distribution of the Incremental Societal Costs of Autism’, Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, vol. 161, no. 4, pp. 343–349, Apr. 2007, http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.161.4.343.
  39. A. V. S. Buescher, Z. Cidav, M. Knapp, and D. S. Mandell, ‘Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United Kingdom and the United States’, JAMA Pediatrics, vol. 168, no. 8, pp. 721–728, Aug. 2014, http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2014.210.
  40. F. Mohammadi, M. Rakhshan, Z. Molazem, N. Zareh, and M. Gillespie, ‘Caregivers’ perception of dignity in teenagers with autism spectrum disorder’, Nurs Ethics, vol. 26, no. 7–8, pp. 2035–2046, Nov. 2019, http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0969733018796679.