Investigating the Use of Technological Devices to Target Social Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorder Therapy in New Zealand

technologies 2016

                        Executive Summary         Full Report

Abstract

This project assisted Callaghan Innovation in analyzing the potential need for a new
technological communication application that improves social skills for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). To determine the needs and opinions of consumers, the team conducted 19 stakeholder interviews with members of the ASD community in New Zealand. Our results indicate that a tablet application that focuses on developing communication skills and is customizable, collaborative, and culturally appropriate could potentially meet the needs of the community. Also, the stakeholders stressed that technology in ASD therapy cannot replace a teacher and must be implemented as a tool. This information gathered will hopefully aid Callaghan Innovation in designing new technology products in the future.

Student Team

  • Georgios Ardamerinos, RBE
  • Hope D Shevchuk, CM
  • Julia Michelle Smith, BE

Sponsor

Callaghan Innovation

Advisors

  • Kinicki, Robert, CS
  • Eddy, Bethel L., HU