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Researchers from Norwegian research organization SINTEF are studying smartwatches, digital calendars and other technology as possible support devices for children with autism and ADHD. Kids with these issues can become difficult when daily routines and habits are interrupted, and previous studies have found “ordinary aids” such as mobile phones and MP3 players can help them maintain a schedule.
‘Being able to function well on a day-to-day basis is a big problem for these children — and for their families,’ say Lisbet Grut and Øystein Dale of SINTEF. She and her team believe developing software on tablets and smartphones that remind children of their appointments and activities could greatly benefit these kids and their families. ‘ADHD is a group that is easily neglected, and it is difficult to help sufferers, because their problems are varied and complex,’says Grut. ‘But we believe that the work we are doing now will help us to find some good solutions… .’ (Read: Is my child suffering from ADHD?)
After interviewing parents of children with ADHD and autism, as well as assistive technology suppliers and other healthcare professionals, researchers will now work with three families in Vestfold, Norway who have children with ADHD or autism. The families will use smartwatches, apps and other technology that could help their children keep track of daily activities such as brushing teeth or getting dressed. (Read: ADHD and aggression in children can be beaten by a combination of two drugs)
Tests will occur in spring 2014 with a preliminary report scheduled for the summer.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that appears in early childhood. It makes it difficult for individuals to restrain their spontaneous responses—responses that can involve everything from movement to speech to attentiveness.
The signs and symptoms of ADD/ADHD typically appear before the age of seven. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between attention deficit disorder and normal ‘kid behaviour.’ If the signs and the symptoms appear only in some situations, it’s probably not ADD/ADHD. (Read: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children)
With inputs from AFP
Image source: AFP
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