Technology for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do Sri Lankan Parents and Practitioners Want?

Abstract

AbstractAt present, technology is being extensively used among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in affluent countries. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the use of technology for children with ASD in developing countries. This study, therefore, investigates the current role of technology for children with ASD in Sri Lanka where the autism prevalence is 1 in 93 children in the age group of 0–3. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews and focus group sessions with 32 parents and 18 practitioners who work closely with children with ASD. The findings of this study indicate that a wide array of technological applications (n = 37) is used among children with ASD in Sri Lanka at home and therapy settings. This study further identifies different patterns of using technology at home and in therapy settings. For instance, parents mostly use passive learning technologies such as television and YouTube channels on smartphones to educate children with ASD in home settings. On the other hand, practitioners use interactive technologies such as desktop computer programs and tablet applications to develop skills and engage with children with ASD. Though many technological applications are used among Sri Lankan children with ASD, parents and practitioners illustrated that current technological applications need to be further improved and modified to cater for the needs of children with ASD and to make learning more effective. We also found out that having flexible customization can be a powerful tool when designing software applications for children with ASD in Sri Lanka. Finally, we present the implications for designing technologies for children with ASD highlighting the similarities and differences of our findings with those studies conducted in affluent countries.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSDigital technology such as TV and desktop computers are widely used among children with ASD in Sri Lanka. Most parents of children with ASD use passive learning technologies (i.e. TV), while practitioners use more interactive technologies such as tablets and computers. The most common use of technology at home is to teach academic skills (i.e. vocabulary and maths), while the most common use of technology at therapy is for sensory integration. Applications supporting Sri Lankan cultural context is one of the popular functionality required by both parents and practitioners of children with ASD. Customization can be a key feature when designing software applications for children with ASD in non-English speaking multilingual countries like Sri Lanka.