Promoting Occupational Engagement and Personal Satisfaction in People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders via a Smartphone-Based Intervention

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study assessed a smartphone-based program to foster basic occupational engagement and personal satisfaction, and eventually increase physical exertion (heart rates), in people with extensive neurodevelopmental disorders.MethodsThe program relied on a Samsung Galaxy A3 smartphone with Android 6.0 operating system, near-field communication function, and MacroDroid application. Seven participants were involved. The participants’ occupational responses consisted of putting special (hard and thick) cards into an elevated box (into contact with the smartphone) by stretching their arm. The responses activated the smartphone, which delivered brief periods of preferred stimulation. Failure to produce responses led the smartphone to deliver a verbal prompt/encouragement to respond.ResultsAll participants had significant increases (p\u2009<\u20090.01) in occupational responses and heart rates, and six of them also showed a significant increase in the level of personal satisfaction, during program sessions as opposed to baseline or control sessions. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and paired t test were used to assess the changes across sessions.ConclusionsA simple smartphone-based program might be suitable to support occupational engagement, increase heart rates, and foster personal satisfaction in people with extensive neurodevelopmental disorders.