Taḥqīqāt-i ̒Ulūm-i Raftārī (Nov 2016)
Effectiveness of the use of computers on learning prerequisite mathematical and cognitive concepts in children with autism
Abstract
Aim and Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the use of computers on learning prerequisite mathematical concepts and other cognitive concepts among children with autism. Methods and Materials: This was a quasi-experiment study with pretest and posttest and control group. The study population included 60 children with autism who were 6 to 14 years of age, and recieving training in the Isfahan Autism Center, Iran. From among them, 16 children were randomly selected and were matched based on the severity of their autistic symptoms. The subjects were randomly assigned to two control and experimental groups (n = 8). The participants in the experimental group received 6 months of intervention with the use of computers and applied behavior analysis (ABA) method. The control group only underwent the ABA. Subjects were evaluated in terms of comprehension of prerequisite mathematical and cognitive concepts using the researcher-made checklist. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA. Findings : A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of cognitive and prerequisite mathematical concepts (P = 0.009 and P = 0.001, respectively) in the posttest. Conclusions: It seems that the use of computers in combination with ABA method is effective in prerequisite mathematical and cognitive concepts learning among children with autism.
