Assessing Perceptions of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) School Children in Al Ain to Artificial Green Elements - A Pilot Study

Hala Al Baalkhi, Ahmed Agiel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Recently, the Global Health statistic demonstrated a continuous rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) worldwide and specially in the Gulf Countries. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has the second highest rate of Autism prevalence. Therefore, UAE Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination under governmental administration established Al Ain Autism Center for ASD children. Many studies have emphasized the influence of the positive effects of green spaces on the academic performance and skills of school children. However, we observed that there is very little use of the green spaces in Al Ain schools. Therefore, the present study will help increase greenery and as a result, positive emotions on ASD children. The difficulties to maintain the natural plants in buildings and their high cost are the greatest drawbacks. Reviewed studies suggested that indoor plants' presence can provide several benefits such as stress-reduction, children's health, and well-being. This study aims to examine Autism Children's Perceptions of artificial green elements. We hypothesize that artificial green elements will have the same positive impact as real green elements on the psychological and emotional health of ASD children's perception. To conduct this study, a sample of 4 Autistic Participants was compared with the sample of 5 Non-Autistic Participants, aged between (5-11 years). They were selected from different schools of Al Ain. This study was conducted using Personal Construct Psychology (PCP), which enables the children using qualitative grids to construe their meanings. The findings of this study will contribute to developing the existing school design for ASD children in UAE. In this pilot study result, autistic children enjoyed spending a long time with all green elements, while the third corner that doesn't contain green elements was ignored. In particular, artificial green elements reflected a good response during the experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationZEMCH 2021 - 8th Zero Energy Mass Custom Home International Conference, Proceedings
EditorsKheira Anissa Tabet Aoul, Mohammed Tariq Shafiq, Daniel Efurosibina Attoye
PublisherZEMCH Network
Pages985-992
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9789948310006
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Event8th Zero Energy Mass Custom Home International Conference, ZEMCH 2021 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Duration: Oct 26 2021Oct 28 2021

Publication series

NameZEMCH International Conference
ISSN (Electronic)2652-2926

Conference

Conference8th Zero Energy Mass Custom Home International Conference, ZEMCH 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited Arab Emirates
CityDubai
Period10/26/2110/28/21

Keywords

  • Al ain school
  • Artificial green elements
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • Personal construct psychology (PCP)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality
  • Building and Construction
  • Architecture
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Computer Science Applications

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