Investigating technology for children with Selective Mutism

Ishwarya Manivannan, Jerry Alan Fails

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explores the lifestyles of children with Selective Mutism (SM) to identify how to help children with SM communicate with those around them. Parents of Selectively Mute (SM2) children were interviewed to understand the challenges faced regarding SM and to examine why their children use technology. Children with and without SM were also interviewed through drawings to recognize their technology preferences. It was found that children frequently use technology like tablets for entertainment purposes and sometimes for interacting with others. Parents reported that their children become calm when they use technology and believed that technology could be used to promote speech. The findings from our study can act as a guide for speech-promoting technology. These findings indicate that an ideal technology is one that is inclusive and mobile and encourages stimulus fading and play therapy. Copyright is held by the owner/author(s).

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of IDC 2015
Subtitle of host publicationThe 14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children
Pages259-262
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9781450335904
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Jun 2015
Event14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, IDC 2015 - Boston, United States
Duration: 21 Jun 201524 Jun 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of IDC 2015: The 14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children

Conference

Conference14th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, IDC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston
Period21/06/1524/06/15

Keywords

  • Anxiety
  • Child interactions
  • Mobile application
  • Selective mutism
  • Social disorder
  • Technology
  • Therapy

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