Development of a mobile application for teaching math skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and evaluation of the effectiveness of the application

Full participation of the children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the society depends on their acquisition of independent living skills. Mathematical skills are one of the independent living skills, and the literature indicates that difficulties are experienced in the achievement of these skills by children with ASD. The objective of the present study was to develop a mobile application for the instruction of mathematical skills to children with ASD and to assess the effectiveness of the developed application. An application, called Tabmatik was developed using audiovisual multimedia elements suitable for the age group and the children with ASD. The application was presented for five weeks. Empirical mixed method design was used in the study. Thus, both single-subject research methods and qualitative research methods were employed. Within the scope of the quantitative method, multiple inspection model with inter-skills inspection tests, a single subject research method was used and phenomenological research method were used as the qualitative method. Quantitative data were analyzed by graphical analysis and qualitative data were analyzed with the inductive analysis method. Study findings stated that the difference between the pretest and posttest scores was 69 points and the graphical analysis results stated that the application was effective in recognizing numbers, rhythmic counting and grain concept. In semi-structured interviews, it was stated that the instruction with Tabmatik was effective in improving mathematical skills.