Virtual Environment Impact on Neurodiverse Adolescents During COVID-19
Online
View Study Website
End Date December 1, 2021
Primary Contact Janet Choi
Email jchoi846@usc.edu
Phone (213) 703-1518
Additonal Contact Hannah Mulroe
Email hmulroe@usc.edu
Phone 224-828-4856
Study Details
Background & Purpose
As the novel Coronavirus began to spread, the global pandemic has urged the utilization of video conferencing software and technological devices, such as computer and tablets, to moderate the
interactive experience.
- The objectives of this study will be to identify the impacts that virtual environments are having on neurodiverse adolescents. We aim to evaluate these impacts in two ways:
The first objective is to identify the main environmental and academic factors from virtual education have challenged adolescent students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and how have these commonalities amplified ADHD symptoms - The second objective is to identify whether the virtual environment has a negative impact on the quality of patient care for pediatric patients on the autism spectrum
Methodology
The study will conduct online anonymous surveys, generated by USC Qualtrics, on the following groups with experience working with neurodiverse children: teachers (K-12), healthcare
providers (nurse, OT, pediatrician, etc.), child aids, and parents of neurodiverse children. Participants will remain anonymous, only sharing their occupation in order for researchers to
properly categorize the results. Recruitment will take place in Los Angeles County. Survey responses will be accepted until December 1, 2021.
Surveys will assess changes in ADHD symptoms due to remote learning and the quality of care due to virtual visits. The study will analyze the qualitative information to determine impact on
the adolescents in these virtual environments. In the healthcare setting, the qualitative results will be measured against the six aspects of quality of care in healthcare in order to determine a
positive or negative impact on quality of care. In the school setting, the qualitative results will be measured against the known symptoms of ADHD in order to determine if an amplification of
these symptoms is present.