Contributions from the HCI to support autism treatments through a framework for inclusive software design

Abstract

This document presents the current advances of the research carried out up to the third year of the Doctorate in Electronics Sciences at the University of Cauca (COL), co−directed by professionals from the Francisco de Vitoria University (ESP) and the Portucalense University (POR), which based on the analysis of the lach of inclusive software that allows to support therapeutic activities, based on management around the behavior and communication of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder −ASD, it seehs to obtain a proposal for a frameworh for the design of inclusive applications that allow the development of software based on accessibility and focus on autism, and also improve social interaction through the use of developed applications. The study is based on the use of computer applications focused on strengthening social and motivational shills, as well as characteristics related to the treatment processes of children with ASD. All this is validated through metrics and qualitative and quantitative analysis with evaluation indicators on the appropriation or strengthening of emotional shills in children with ASD and the definition of the characteristics of the software identified with co−design techniques that includes the same children. The tools considered are instruments for collecting non− invasive information, filming activities and analysing emotions through the recognition of their facial expressions. Among the main advances, the results of the systematic review of the literature and of a case study are presented, where the identification of the most relevant functional and non−functional characteristics of the software applied in the treatment of ASD is obtained, as well as the proposal of frameworh for the design of inclusive computer applications focused on users with this cognitive disability and the design of remote interaction and usability tests.