Software Hope Design for Children with ASD.

Mónica R. Romero; Estela M. Macas; Nancy Armijos; Ivana Harari

Resumen:

This article describes the analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation of a software called Hope to help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to express themselves through dance. The proposed software is based on augmented reality and allows strengthening teaching learning processes that include aspects related to imitation, perception, gross and fine motor skills, and visual coordination. The design process conducted in an interactive way, centered on the human being, with the participation and guidance of a multidisciplinary team. The characteristics considered to design and implement the software are explained, which was tested in a Ludic Place Therapeutic Center with children with ASD, in addition, a pedagogical intervention proposal was built where parameters for evaluation are defined; the start-up of Hope required constant interaction, participatory design methods, likewise the software was improved with the recommendations of the participants, some students from the therapeutic center tried the application, they did so initially accompanied by their caregivers and progressively they achieved individual use of the system, Hope was assessed by 5 children with ASD, in addition to 5 parents, 5 IT specialists, followed by 5 experts (teachers, psychologists, therapists, doctors). In the end, encouraging results achieved that included recognition of the body, nonverbal dialogue, less directive, structured expressions, and the ability to create and make the participants’ thinking more flexible.