Research and Publications - Department of Computer Science

Permanent URI for this collection

https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/2876

Browse

Browsing Research and Publications - Department of Computer Science by Subject "autism spectrum disorders"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Understanding the experiences of self-injurious behavior in autism spectrum disorder: Implications for monitoring technology design
    (Oxford University Press, 2021) Cantin-Garside, Kristine D.; Nussbaum, Maury A.; White, Susan W.; Kim, Sunwook; Kim, Chung Do; Fortes, Diogo M. G.; Valdez, Rupa S.; Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University; University of Virginia; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Objective: Monitoring technology may assist in managing self-injurious behavior (SIB), a pervasive concern in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Affiliated stakeholder perspectives should be considered to design effective and accepted SIB monitoring methods. We examined caregiver experiences to generate design guidance for SIB monitoring technology. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three educators and 16 parents of individuals with ASD and SIB completed interviews or focus groups to discuss needs related to monitoring SIB and associated technology use. Results: Qualitative content analysis of participant responses revealed 7 main themes associated with SIB and technology: triggers, emotional responses, SIB characteristics, management approaches, caregiver impact, child/student impact, and sensory/technology preferences. Discussion: The derived themes indicated areas of emphasis for design at the intersection of monitoring and SIB. Systems design at this intersection should consider the range of manifestations of and management approaches for SIB. It should also attend to interactions among children with SIB, their caregivers, and the technology. Design should prioritize the transferability of physical technology and behavioral data as well as the safety, durability, and sensory implications of technology. Conclusions: The collected stakeholder perspectives provide preliminary groundwork for an SIB monitoring system responsive to needs as articulated by caregivers. Technology design based on this groundwork should follow an iterative process that meaningfully engages caregivers and individuals with SIB in naturalistic settings.