The autism assist project: Aiding and sustaining independence through smart-home technology
Australian occupational therapy journal, Vol.68(S1), pp.10-10
29th National Conference and Exhibition “Inspired Insights for Brighter Futures”, 29th (Online, 23/06/2021–24/06/2021)
06/2021
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Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition of growing prevalence, which currently affects 1 in every 150 individuals in Australia. Research consistently reports autistic adults of all ages to experience difficulties performing daily living skills, including self-care, meal preparation and finance management. This negatively impacts individuals’ abilities to live independently and age well.
Objective: To develop and evaluate a smartphone technology for older autistic people to improve independence in their activities of daily living.
Methods: The first stage of this project involves a series of semi- structured interviews with 20 autistic older adults (50+) about their technology use and specific barriers they face in their activities of daily living. The second stage is a series of co-design workshops, in which three autistic older adults, together with a technology developer, co- design a smartphone application that uses visual cues within their home to inform, instruct, or remind adults regarding a range of daily activities.
Results: Findings to be presented include novel information about technology use in this population, with a particular focus on how it may be used to enhance the barriers they face in navigating daily activities. There will be specific insight into the areas of daily living that may benefit from such technology, and a focus on inclusive co- design processes with older people on the autism spectrum.
Conclusion: It is expected that this technology will be further applicable to a range of populations, such as those with dementia or intellectual disability, and to contexts such as aged-care facilities.
- The autism assist project: Aiding and sustaining independence through smart-home technology
- Kitty-Rose Foley - Southern Cross UniversityKieran Elley - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Jane Hwang Dr - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)Liden Zheng Dr - University of New South Wales (Australia, Sydney)
- Australian occupational therapy journal, Vol.68(S1), pp.10-10
- 29th National Conference and Exhibition “Inspired Insights for Brighter Futures”, 29th (Online, 23/06/2021–24/06/2021)
- Wiley; HOBOKEN
- 991013387151802368
- © 2021 Occupational Therapy Australia.
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- English
- Abstract