Exploration of a somatosensory interactive assessment tool for children with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Based on the functional assessment concept and embodied assessment requirements, the present study aimed to design and develop an assessment tool for children with intellectual disabilities with the help of somatosensory interactive (SI) technology. The sample in this study consisted of 73 children with intellectual disabilities and 70 children with typical development. Data were collected through three SI tasks, four traditional executive function tasks, and user experience interviews to analyse the effectiveness of the SI assessment tool. The results showed that the SI assessment tool had good scale validity, discriminant validity, and the ability to identify intellectual disabilities. Children preferred SI tasks and showed higher involvement and more positive emotions. The SI tool with three SI tasks is a more scientific, effective, and advanced tool for assessing children with intellectual disabilities.

Keywords: assessment; children with intellectual disabilities; somatosensory interactive technology; tool design.