User specifications for neurodiverse students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A preliminary study

Abstract

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) prioritize 'Quality Education' for global peace and prosperity. The Malaysian government's special education reforms are influenced by the 'Shared Prosperity Vision 2030'. Special needs education emphasizes the necessity of incorporating technology into the learning environment to meet neurodiverse learners' communication, teaching, and learning needs. Teachers serve as a liaison between students, parents, and carers. Technological innovations assist instructors in meeting the educational demands of neurodiverse students at all levels. Early intervention-based teaching and learning is widely seen as beneficial to neurodiverse students, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, students with ASD's genuine needs, acceptance, and preferences are still not given enough attention by technology, particularly from the paradigm of natural user interface (NUI) technology. Therefore, to bridge the identified gap in academic literature, this study investigates the efficacy of user specification in enhancing multimodal interaction for students with ASD. Recognizing the unique communication challenges faced by ASD students, the study addresses the central problem of optimizing interaction interfaces to cater to their specific needs. Through a preliminary study, the aim is to assess the impact of tailored user specifications on improving the user experience of multimodal interaction tools for ASD students. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study combines qualitative and quantitative measurements and involves Wizard of Oz (Woz), observation, and interview. Results demonstrate promising enhancements in engagement, emotional impact, and communication among ASD students when utilizing tailored multimodal interfaces. In addition, the study also highlights the need for further exploration and refinement in user specification strategies to accommodate the diverse sensory and cognitive profiles within the ASD population. Future research endeavors will focus on the user experience of customized interaction interfaces and explore advanced methodologies for personalized user specification in multimodal interaction systems for ASD students.