Integrated physical product-digital application systems support autistic children, but component collaboration and evidence generation remain underexamined. Following PRISMA 2020, six databases were searched (2015-2025); two reviewers screened studies involving autistic participants aged ≤ 18 years and appraised artifact and evaluation reporting using DSR-oriented appraisal. Of 7,245 records, 20 studies were included. Social interaction was the most common target, followed by emotional skills and attention. Studies were concentrated among school-aged children and in structured educational or clinical settings. Applications most frequently served as content or training hubs, followed by personalizers or decision engines; other roles were uncommon. DSR-oriented reporting adequacy was high in five studies, acceptable in four, and low in eleven. More complete evidence chains generally involved clearer component roles, stronger links between system functions and outcomes, and more transparent evaluation procedures. Research themes expanded over time but remained parallel and heterogeneous rather than forming a unified cumulative pathway. The findings suggest that progress may depend less on technological variety than on stable links among user requirements, system architecture, implementation conditions, and long-term outcome assessment. We propose an evidence-oriented heuristic framework covering deployment controllability, outcome verifiability and evaluation-chain complexity, which supports cumulative evidence generation for tangible-digital autism interventions.
This study translated and culturally adapted the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Manual Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-M) and the Wheelchair Use Confidence Scale for Power Wheelchair Users (WheelCon-P) into Persian (Farsi) and examined their reliability and validity. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were examined. The Persian translated versions of the WheelCon-M (WheelCon-M-P) and the WheelCon-P (WheelCon-P-P) were administered to 40 adult wheelchair users. Cronbach's alpha was 0.97 for the WheelCon-M-P and 0.98 for the WheelCon-P-P. Both instruments demonstrated high reliability in test-retest assessments, with ICC values of 0.985 for the WheelCon-M-P and 0.981 for the WheelCon-P-P. This study presents early evidence of effective tools for healthcare professionals to assess confidence in wheelchair use among Persian users.
Adjustable-volume sockets are an emerging technology in the prosthetics marketplace. Current methods of adjustment use predominately passive mechanisms. In the future, electronic actuation will be of interest. This advancement requires a seamless and intuitive user interface. Prosthesis users (n = 5), certified prosthetists (n = 5) and prosthetic students (n = 13) were introduced to four interface prototypes. Participants interacted with a testing suite that included an electronically adjustable-volume socket, fob prototype and software interface. Participant preferences and survey responses were recorded through documentation and video. Prosthesis users and certified prosthetists preferred a simple pear-shaped design with prominent buttons for tightening and loosening the socket. Four of five prosthesis users considered a physical fob more desirable than a phone app. Prosthetists suggested implementing versatile attachment of the fob by lanyard or keychain, mounting on the outside of the socket or placing in a pocket. Prosthesis users and prosthetists preferred interfaces that minimized barriers connecting to and controlling the adjustable-volume socket. Ease of use and reliability need to be preserved as additional enhancements are added. For example, remote patient monitoring data should be presented in a phone app, but direct control of the socket should remain separate with the fob.
This study aimed to understand parents' and caregivers' perceptions of assistive technology (AT) provision in rural South India. This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews with parents and caregivers of children who had received AT. Interviews were conducted in Tamil by a bilingual rehabilitation therapist who provided real-time English interpretation and was not involved in the children's clinical care. Data were collected through audio and video recordings and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach. Eleven participants (nine mothers, one grandmother, and one father) of children aged 4-11 years shared experiences with mobility devices, postural supports, and orthotics. Five themes emerged: (1) utilization and implementation of AT; (2) benefits of AT for mobility, activities of daily living, play, standing, and posture; (3) challenges related to transportation accessibility, safety, and device use; (4) cultural and social influences; and (5) recommendations from parents and caregivers. Participants described positive impacts of AT on children's daily functioning but identified needs for additional education and training, culturally responsive and tailored interventions, and stronger local collaboration to improve AT provision and support in low- and middle-income settings.
