The use of a Kinect-based technology within the school environment to enhance sensory-motor skills of children with autism

Mademtzi, Marilena (2016). The use of a Kinect-based technology within the school environment to enhance sensory-motor skills of children with autism. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This research explored the effect of Pictogram Room, a Kinect-based technology, on the sensory-motor skills of children with autism in a school setting. It focused on the overall development of sensory-motor skills, how these skills developed in different environments, and which of the sensory-motor subdomains improved the most. Theoretically, the study drew upon gaming theory and embodied cognition. It was a mixed methods study, with the quantitative data being the dominant method of data collection and the qualitative data having a more supportive role. During the first year, the intervention was implemented with the intervention group (n=5), twice a week for 15 minutes, over the course of nine weeks. The following year, a wait-list control group was recruited (n=5). The findings from the researcher’s checklist, as well as those from the standardised assessments, showed that sensory-motor skills in the intervention group were significantly improved, and there was also generalisation of these skills to other environments. Finally, as a result of the teachers’ interviews, social play and adaptive behaviours were also evaluated, with positive results for the intervention group.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):