Abstract
BackgroundPromoting awareness of autism in populations who work with children may result in an earlier diagnosis of the condition. In this study, a computer assisted learning (CAL) package, containing educationally appropriate knowledge about autism was developed; and the effectiveness of this CAL package was evaluated.MethodsThe CAL package was developed using computer software, "Xerte" and "Flash Macromedia". The effectiveness of the CAL package was evaluated in 32 childcare students in the UK, who were randomised to watch the CAL package or to read the information leaflet containing the same information (n = 16 in each group). Retention performance, level of enjoyment, and level of confidence to identify a child with autism, after the interventions, were evaluated. The data obtained from two studied groups was analysed using unpaired Student's t-test, 95% confidence interval, and effect size.ResultsStudents who watched the CAL package had superior retention performance percentage scores (p = 0.02, 95% CI = 0.83–12.19, effect size = 0.8) and level of enjoyment (p = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.03–2.75, effect size = 0.7) compared with students who read the information leaflet. However, there was no significant difference in level of confidence to identify a child with autism (p = 0.39, 95% CI = -1.80–0.72, effect size = -0.3).ConclusionThe CAL package developed was an effective method of educating people who work with children about autism.
Highlights
Promoting awareness of autism in populations who work with children may result in an earlier diagnosis of the condition
6.25% of students in the leaflet group had seen more than 10 children with autism, whereas none of the students in the computer assisted learning (CAL) package group had seen more than 10 children with autism
The mean retention performance score of the participants in the CAL package watching group was significantly higher than mean score of the leaflet reading group (87.76% ± 7.68 and 81.25% ± 8.05, p = 0.02, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) = 0.83–12.19, effect size = 0.8)
Summary
Promoting awareness of autism in populations who work with children may result in an earlier diagnosis of the condition. Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Clinical features of autism consist of three main impairments, known as the "triad of impairment": impairment in social interaction, impairment in communication and impairment in imagination. There are many standard diagnostic instruments utilised to help to diagnose autism [5,6,7], the diagnosis of autism remains difficult, especially before the age of 3 [8]. Clinical manifestations are sometimes less obvious and not compatible with the diagnostic instruments. The diagnosis of autism may be delayed and that may affect the outcome of children with autism.
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