AppTEA: Use of a customized app to assess communication in children with ASD

Introduction: There are many well-established digital tools for the treatment of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but so far there no investigations in Argentina that have empirically analyzed how these tools contribute to communicative behaviors. Objectives: The objective was to evaluate the implications of digital devices for two behavioral parameters, the posture and attentional focus of children with ASD. Methods: 211 sessions with 11 children (Age, M = 6.45 years, SD = 1.30) were analyzed. The sessions consisted of the use of the AppTEA application and traditional devices in interactions with professionals, in the context of therapeutic activities. Results: It was found that in the sessions with and without the tablet, the levels and trends of posture and attention focus were similar, regardless of the devices used. Conclusion: Although specific technologies and software can complement and support therapeutic objectives, they cannot replace human care and the social and therapeutic support to children.