Spectrum Speak
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Date
2024
Authors
Asmaa T. Saleh
Mira Jamous
Journal Title
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Volume Title
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition that profoundly
affects individuals’ social interactions, communication, and behavior. With the increasing
prevalence of autism, there is a growing demand for digital solutions to assist parents and
caregivers in navigating this complex journey. In the realm of autism-related applications, existing
offerings have made notable progress, but they often focus on addressing specific aspects of
support. Noteworthy examples include applications like the ”Autism Speaks Autism Response
Team (ART) App,” ”Autism Tracker Pro,” and ”Proloquo2Go,” each excelling in their respective
niches. This research project aims to build upon these foundations by introducing a unified mobile
and web application designed to cater to the comprehensive needs of parents and caregivers during
the early stages of autism diagnosis and rehabilitation. The application encompasses a diagnostic
module to aid parents in assessing their child’s potential position on the autism spectrum, while
emphasizing the importance of consulting specialists for a formal diagnosis. Post-diagnosis, the
platform offers access to a wide array of specialized resources, including rehabilitation centers,
audio and speech therapists, and psychiatrists, all tailored to the child’s assessed position on the
spectrum. Going beyond existing solutions, it facilitates the integration of autistic children into
inclusive educational environments by connecting parents with shadow teachers who provide
personalized support within mainstream schools. What sets “InclusiVate” apart from existing
applications is its recognition of the significance of a comprehensive, user-centric solution that
integrates diagnostic assistance, access to specialized care, and a supportive community. By
amalgamating these elements, our goal is to provide a more holistic and user-friendly tool for
parents and caregivers, ultimately enhancing early intervention, improving the quality of life for
families affected by autism, and fostering inclusivity in education. We firmly believe that this
research project will make a substantial contribution to the digital support ecosystem for
individuals and families grappling with autism.