English abstract
With the continuous increase in interest in integrating digital technologies across various disciplines and professions, social work has endeavored to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) techniques into professional interventions with clients in various fields of practice, particularly in developmental disorders. In this context, the present study aimed to explore the perceptions of practitioners working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Sultanate of Oman regarding the use of AI techniques in professional interventions. These perceptions included the perceived effectiveness and efficiency of using AI, the perceived challenges towards AI usage, and the practitioners' perceived readiness for guidance, training, and support in employing AI techniques.
This study was conducted as a descriptive research study, utilizing the social survey method in its two forms: a comprehensive survey, which was applied to all practitioners working with individuals with ASD across all governorates of the Sultanate, totaling 58 practitioners, and a sample survey applied to experts in the field of AI (8 experts) and specialists in developmental disorders (7 specialists). Two primary tools were used: a questionnaire form and an interview guide form to collect the necessary quantitative and qualitative data to answer the study's questions.
The study results indicated a high level of perceived effectiveness among practitioners towards the use of AI techniques with individuals with ASD and a high perceived efficiency of practitioners in using AI techniques in professional interventions. However, significant challenges hinder the use of these techniques. The results also showed a high level of readiness and willingness among practitioners to receive guidance, training, and support in using AI techniques in professional interventions.
The study concluded with a set of recommendations to enhance the use of AI techniques in professional interventions with individuals with ASD. These include the necessity of developing a guideline for the legislation of AI usage with individuals with ASD, the importance of localizing and adapting technologies to align their outcomes with Arab communities, and the call for further studies and research to understand the use of AI with individuals with ASD.
