Η πλατφόρμα Meli (Μέλι): Σχεδίαση και υλοποίηση εκπαιδευτικού λογισμικού με τη μορφή ψηφιακής πλατφόρμας για παιδιά με διαταραχές αυτιστικού φάσματος και τους γονείς τους με χρήση στοιχείων μουσικοθεραπείας

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder concerning a high paediatric population rate and is increasingly appearing in young children. Τhere is no full therapy for autism. However, treatment approaches as well as intervention programs have been developed which focus on symptomatic alleviation. Music therapy appears to be a developing alternative kind of treatment which is applicable in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. This report refers to the first implementation of the immediate accessible digital platform Meli which addresses to children with autism spectrum disorders and their parents. This platform utilizes methods that derive from music therapy and a number of existing treatment approaches for autism using music as the predominant tool as well as pictures as an adjuvant medium. At the design phase, all the prototypes and principles relevant to the user interface and the accessibility for the target group have been implemented. A clearly defined experiential process in the personal space takes place via this platform. The aim of this platform is to reinforce the parent-child relationship and facilitate their communication and social skills with the help of the offered activities. It is worth mentioning that first trial has had very positive acceptance and response.