Functionality of Apps for People with Autism: Comparison between Educators from Florence and Granada
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Gallardo Montes, Carmen del Pilar; Rodríguez Fuentes, Antonio; Caurcel Cara, María Jesús; Capperucci, DavideMateria
ICT Autism Educators
Date
2022-06-06Referencia bibliográfica
117. Gallardo-Montes, C.d.P.; Rodríguez Fuentes, A.; Caurcel Cara, M.J.; Capperucci, D. (2022). Functionality of Apps for People with Autism: Comparison between Educators from Florence and Granada. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, 19, 7019. https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127019
Abstract
Background: Studies on the potential of smartphone apps for people with autism are
currently increasing in number, given the large digital supply available and the benefits they offer.
We analyzed the opinion of educators from Florence (Italy) and Granada (Spain) regarding the
benefits and applicability of apps, frequency of their use, and the type of apps used for people with
autism. Methods: The study involved 1261 professionals, of whom 286 worked with apps, using a
non-experimental quantitative design, descriptive and frequency statistics, parametric inferential
analyses (Student’s t and one-factor ANOVA), and calculation of the effect size (Cohen’s d and eta
squared) and intrafactorial correlations. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in
respect of city, sex, age, years of experience, place of work, and type of teacher. The teachers from
Granada found more benefits and applicability in apps, and revealed a slightly higher usage than
those from Florence. Conclusions: It is an arduous but worthy task for professionals from schools
and associations that work with people with autism to acquire the necessary knowledge to apply
methodologies based on information and communication technology (ICT), as this will help achieve
the integrated development of people with different capabilities.