Practical applications for use of PDAs and smartphones with children and adolescents who have traumatic brain injury.
It is often recommended that individuals with memory and organizational problems after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) use some type of memory device such as a paper calendar. Recently the use of electronic devices has been suggested. This article outlines data obtained from in vivo trials using personal data assistants (PDAs) and follow up in depth studies with PDAs and smartphones. These trials were conducted with individuals who had memory and organizational problems as a result of cognitive disorders of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or intellectual disability (ID) Results indicate that the use of electronic devices can enhance independent behavior. Factors influencing success include: student motivation, audible beep of the device; support for programming and troubleshooting, alterations of functions; and selection of features to motivate. Based on the result of the studies, an intervention plan for use of PDAs was developed for use by clinicians.
Depompei
Roberta
R
School of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Polsky 188K, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3001, USA. rdepom1@uakron.edu
Gillette
Yvonne
Y
Goetz
Elaine
E
Xenopoulos-Oddsson
Annette
A
Bryen
Diane
D
Dowds
Murdo
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D034201:Computers, Handheld / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult