Drivers and barriers for use of assistive technology among children with autism and/or intellectual disabilities: Parents perspective

Abstract

The aim of this study was to detect drivers and barriers for use of assistive technology (AT) among children with au- tism spectrum disorder and/or intellectual disabilities. An online workshop with researchers and two parents produced the material. The main drivers for using AT are knowledge about its existence, its inherent possibilities, access and funding. Barriers are related to lack of information, accessibility, knowledge in schools, funding, poor user interface, and poor retail and maintenance service. The workshop co-created an online form which subsequently will be sent to other parents to address these issues further. The study highlights perspectives and aspects that are important to par- ents and encourages researchers and AT-designers to systematically include end-users in design and implementation.