Stress and benefits of video calling for people with autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

This study compared stress and the benefits of video calling between individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) proneness and diagnosis and those with typical developmental (TD). Study participants were recruited via the web, and 151 of the 252 participants who responded to a web-based questionnaire were included in the analysis (ASD group:76; TD group:75). The results of the chi-square test suggest that the ASD group may prefer video calling more than the TD group. The results of the analysis using a qualitative methodology (KJ method) suggested that the ASD group was more likely than the TD group to perceive stress due to light stimuli emitted from the screen and the inability to concentrate on a conversation due to visual stimuli. The ASD group perceived the ability to cope with stressful stimuli by operating the device as an benefits of video calling. These findings suggest the importance of creating a communication environment that reduces stress and maximizes the benefits of video calling for people with ASD. Specific support measures include establishing rules in advance that allow the individual to turn the video off or switch to texting.