The role of user emotional attachment in driving the engagement of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in using a smartphone app designed to develop social and life skill functioning

Abstract

There has been, in the last ten years, a fast developing interest in the potential use of mobile technology in the classroom and in particular, in the use of such technology to support children with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders). The HANDS project developed a software application for mobile Smartphones based on the principles of persuasive technology design, which supports children with ASD with social and life skills functioning - areas of ability which tend to be impaired in this population. Issues with the application of a behaviorist approach to the complex social field of special educational needs are considered. An argument is made for the need for 'thick' persuasive applications which take account of such complexity including the role of mediating factors. Particular focus is given to qualitative results indicating that user emotional attachment is one such key factor. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.