Meital Pascal
PI: Dr. Orly Lahav
Identify & Empower - an online learning system for autistic adults
Project Description
Previous research has shown that autistic adults often experience high rates of mental health problems, low quality of life and well-being, and very limited social integration. Moreover, due to the prevailing perception of autism, autistic people are forced to challenge the negative construction of their abilities in order to develop a positive self-identity and successfully deal with their difference in the society. Most of the research in the field of autism today is deficit-focused. However, a call for a more balanced, strength-based approach is on the rise.
The current research takes a strength-based approach and will focus on the strengths of autistic adults. As part of this research we aim to develop a practical online learning system to elevate the current rehabilitation programs for autistic adults. This strength-based intervention program is aimed specifically at promoting the well-being of autistic adults, increasing their self-esteem and their awareness of their own strengths.
The online learning system will include a program that will help autistic adults to identify and to support awareness of their strengths and talents. It will be composed of interactive virtual agents, bots, questioners, and tasks. The system will be designed for independent self-use by autistic adults who have literacy ability and will be accessible through audio and visual media to facilitate its use.
About me
Meital Pascal received a BA in Education and an MA in Learning Disorders from Tel Aviv University, graduating summa cum laude. She is an experienced professional in the field of Autistic Education, having worked for over a decade with autistic populations, in a school environment and on an individual basis. She also serves as a Pedagogical Instructor in the Department of Special Education at Kibbutzim College of Education.
Her experience with autistic populations led to her interest in exploring and challenging notions of empowerment among autistic adults. In October 2019 Meital began studies for her PhD in the Knowledge Technology Lab at the School of Education at Tel Aviv University. Her research focuses on the strengths of autistic adults and the development of an online learning system for identifying and building awareness of the strengths and talents that are unique to the autism spectrum.