Technology-Based Framework to Improve Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Autism in Gaza Strip

Background:  Gaza Strip suffers from severe political and socio-economic challenges. The region lacks any institutional or governmental facilities to offer help to people with autism and their families. The lack of abilities to screen, assess, or provide intervention to children with autism increases families stress and leads to further suffering for the children. A technology-based framework was designed and reviewed, and currently under implementation with four families of children with autism to offer them world-class services for their children with autism using computers and mobile technology.

Objectives:  To evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally-appropriate technology based framework for families of children with autism in the Gaza Strip and assess the possible areas of improvements to the lives of the families and their children using technology.

Methods:  A 2-way computer application and a video channel were developed to enable the delivery of information and facilitate the communication with the participating families. Currently at the first phase, families were given the opportunity to share and request information from volunteer expert facilitators regarding their children's cases. Families participated in the implementation of different interventions and received feedback on regular basis based on data they collected and submitted on regular basis. Quantitative and qualitative data is being collected during the first phase of the study and will be reported on for the meeting

Results:  Results will be available for the meeting

Conclusions:  Conclusions will be published upon completion of the phase