| dc.description.abstract | A high percentage of children with Asperger's Syndrome (or unspecific
high functioning autism) find it difficult to cope with change in their daily
routine, due mainly to difficulties with organisational skills and sequential
memory (Division TEACCH, 2001). Encountering change without
warning can be upsetting, resulting in anxiety and behavioural problems,
which in turn can result in loss of learning opportunities (Gingell, 2000;
Aarons & Gittens, 1999, Attwood, 1998). A technique used by many
schools to allow such children to function in an independent and
organised manner, and to anticipate and prepare for change, is a printed
activity plan, or timetable (Peeters & Gillberg, 1999; Dooley et al. 2001;
Mesibov et al. 2002).
Development of a computer-based, interactive timetable system for a
specific cohort of children with Asperger's Syndrome is currently in
progress and follows a user-centred design. Once implemented, the
timetable will be assessed to see whether it is effective in reducing
anxiety for the children, in relation to changes in their daily class routine.
The timetable will also be assessed to ascertain its effectiveness as a
management and communication tool for the teachers and parents.
Finally, the project aims to propose and possibly build a general system
capable of widespread implementation.
This presentation aims to exhibit details of methods used in the
development of the timetable, and will provide illustrations of specific
stages of the system development through the use of diagrams and
screen shots. Outcomes from initial user evaluations with regards to
reduction in anxiety will be presented
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Uma grande percentagem de crianas com S_ndroma de Asperger (ou
autismo no espec_fico de alto n_vel de funcionalidade) tem dificuldade
em lidar com mudana na sua rotina diria, devido principalmente a
dificuldades com a capacidade de organizao e mem_ria sequencial
(Division TEACH 2001). Deparar inesperadamente com a mudana
pode ser perturbador, e resultar em ansiedade e problemas de
comportamento que, por seu lado podem resultar numa perda de
oportunidades de aprendizagem /Gingel, 2000; Aarons &Gitten, 1999,
Attwood, 1998). Uma tcnica usada por muitas escolas para permitir a
essas crianas funcionar de uma maneira organizada e independente,
e prever e preparar-se para mudanas um plano de actividades
impresso ou horrio (Peeters & Gillberg, 1999; Dooley et al. 2001;
Mesibov et al. 2002). O desenvolvimento de um sistema de agenda
computorizada interactiva para com grupo espec_fico de crianas com
Sindroma de Asperger est actualmente a decorrer e segue um
design- centrado no utilizador. Uma vez implementado, o horrio ser
estabelecido para ver se tem eficcia na reduo da ansiedade para
as crianas, em relao a mudanas na sua rotina de classes diria. O
horrio ser tambm estabelecido para verificar a sua eficcia como
instrumento de gesto e comunicao para os professores e os pais.
Finalmente, o projecto tem como objectivo propor e possivelmente
construir um sistema geral capaz de implementar a sua divulgao.
Esta apresentao tem como objectivo exibir pormenores de mtodos,
utilizados no desenvolvimento do horrio, e far ilustraes de etapas
espec_ficas do desenvolvimento do sistema atravs do uso de
diagramas e pequenos filmes. Sero apresentados resultados de
avaliao feita pelos utilizadores iniciais respeitantes reduo da
ansiedade. | |
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