Implementing therapeutic digital tools in your establishment
Methodological guide for successful integration of cognitive stimulation and support applications
Therapeutic digital tools – cognitive stimulation applications, alternative communication supports, progress tracking tools – represent an opportunity to enhance support for autistic individuals in institutions. However, their deployment is not improvised. A successful implementation requires a structured approach: needs assessment, tool selection, team training, and results evaluation. This guide offers a comprehensive methodology for achieving this integration.
Why integrate therapeutic digital tools?
Digital tools offer specific advantages for supporting autistic individuals. The digital environment is predictable and controllable, which meets the needs of this population. Applications allow for fine customization of activities and objective tracking of performance. Gamification increases motivation and engagement. For professionals, these tools enrich the range of activities and facilitate data collection.
of establishments plan to increase the use of digital tools
user engagement with digital tools
of trained professionals find the tools useful
The phases of implementation
1 Diagnosis and project definition
Before choosing a tool, identify the needs: which cognitive functions do you want to work on? Which user profiles are concerned? What resources (equipment, time, personnel) are available? This phase involves all stakeholders: management, teams, families. A precise specifications document guides the selection.
2 Tool selection
Evaluate tools based on specific criteria: scientific quality, suitability to needs, adaptability to different profiles, ease of use, tracking features, business model, support and training offered, GDPR compliance. Test the tools with a pilot group before generalizing.
3 Acquisition and installation
Equip the establishment: tablets or computers (preferably robust), quality WiFi, configuration and securing of devices. Plan a kiosk mode to limit access to selected applications. Ensure GDPR compliance for personal data.
4 Team training
The training covers two dimensions: technical (navigation, profile creation, data consultation) and pedagogical/therapeutic (integration into the personalized project, user support, result interpretation). Various modalities: collective sessions, video tutorials, on-site support.
COCO: an example of a validated tool
The COCO PENSE and COCO BOUGE programs from DYNSEO illustrate what a quality therapeutic digital tool can be. With over 30 cognitive games, adaptable levels, enforced alternation between cognitive activities and active breaks, and a tracking dashboard, COCO meets the criteria of a well-designed tool. DYNSEO supports establishments in deployment with training and support.
Discover COCO5 Gradual deployment
Deploy gradually: start with willing professionals, users for whom the tool is particularly suitable, and favorable contexts. Then extend to other units and users. Plan for ongoing support: regular supervision, practice exchanges, adjustments.
6 Results evaluation
Define tracking indicators: usage rate, user results, satisfaction of professionals and families. Regular assessments (quarterly, semi-annual) allow for deployment adjustments. Communicate results to all stakeholders.
"The implementation of COCO in our IME followed a rigorous methodology. We started by identifying the children who could benefit, trained the teams, and deployed gradually. Today, it is an integrated tool in personalized projects, with regular tracking of progress. The children love it, and we have objective data on their development."
Success factors
- Involve all stakeholders from the beginning of the project
- Choose quality tools, scientifically validated
- Train teams sufficiently (technical and pedagogical)
- Deploy gradually starting with favorable contexts
- Integrate tools into personalized projects
- Plan for ongoing support and exchange times
- Evaluate regularly and adjust
- Communicate results
DYNSEO Training: enhancing skills
The training "Supporting a child with autism: keys and solutions for everyday life" complements the technical mastery of tools with a deep understanding of autism and support strategies. This dual competence ensures relevant use of digital tools.
Discover the trainingAdditional resources
To support the use of digital tools, teams and families can rely on DYNSEO guides: supporting autistic children and supporting autistic adults. These resources offer comprehensive support strategies in which digital tools are integrated.
Conclusion: an opportunity to seize methodically
Therapeutic digital tools represent a real opportunity to enrich support in institutions. Their successful implementation relies on a structured approach: diagnosis, rigorous selection, team training, gradual deployment, and continuous evaluation.
Tools like the COCO program from DYNSEO, specifically designed for individuals with cognitive disorders, facilitate this integration by offering quality content, adapted functionalities, and deployment support. Investing in therapeutic digital tools means equipping oneself for richer and more personalized support.
