Mobile Application to Support Independence in Daily Routines of Adolescents with Autism and/or ADHD

Editorial information: Institut Jožef Stefan, Ljubljana, Slovenia. ISSN 2630-371X.

To support increased independence among adolescents with impaired executive functions, especially those with autism and/or ADHD, we developed, tested, and evaluated a pilot mobile application. 

Based on theoretical foundations, our own research, and expert recommendations, the app offers visual and time-based structuring of routines, tracking progress through a Pomodoro1 timer and a reward system.

The application was tested over 14 days by 12 adolescents and 2 young adults (11 male, 3 female): 6 with autism only, 1 with ADHD only, and 7 with both, using their own smartphones or tablets.

After the trial users rated its usability, benefits, and motivational impact very positively, with special praise for the innovative real-time visual timer (calendar) that improves time awareness. They also suggested additional features, such as audio alerts outside the app, integration with other digital tools, and various forms of rewards.

This analysis of the pilot version calls for further research with more users facing executive function challenges, including those transitioning to independent living for the first time while studying or working, and longer-term monitoring of app usage to assess its effectiveness.

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