Autistic Children's Use of Technology and Media: A Fieldwork Study

Abstract

This qualitative field study conducted at a school for autistic children aimed to explain how low and medium functioning autistic children use technology at school. Additionally, it explored education professionals and parents' attitudes and concerns regarding technology use by children. Data-collection methods included focus groups with nine education professionals, naturalistic observations of fifteen children with autism in therapy sessions, and interviews with parents of four of the children. Results revealed that (1) children are regular users of digital technology and media, (2) there are different patterns of use of technologies with possible correlations to accessibility and behavioural manifestations of autism, (3) education professionals and parents have positive attitude towards the use of technology by the children, but also recognize disadvantages to its use.