Research programme
Building4Belonging
Addressing loneliness faced by students with special needs and aiming to sense the dynamics and perceptions of students during unstructured school time.
- Duration
- 2023 - 2027
- Contact
- Mitra Baratchi
- Funding
- NWO
- Partners
Leiden University, University of Twente, Delft University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, American University in Cairo, Female Autism Network of the Netherlands, INTER-PSY, Nederlandse Vereniging voor Autisme, Samenwerkingsverband Amsterdam VO, Samenwerkingsverband Twente Oost VO/ Almelo VO, Stichting Alexander, Stichting Orion, and Twentse Belofte
Trajectory data representing the movement of individuals acquired from location-sensing devices (e.g., smart watches) can be used to unravel information about social dynamics and space usage. Additionally, ecological momentary assessment can allow for capturing the emotions or perception of loneliness.
We connect such information with features of the built environment and physiological indicators. By doing so, individual differences in the subjective experience of loneliness are linked to the context in which they arise, enabling the identification of intervention strategies and testing.
Next to providing knowledge of the ongoing dynamics, such knowledge can point to potential improvements to the physical space with the goal of creating a more inclusive environment tailored to the needs of all individuals.
The project is highly interdisciplinary, where researchers from various domains, such as developmental psychology, sociology, computer science and architecture, collaborate with autistic professionals and researchers. Additionally, there is a strong collaboration with youth (with and without autism), teachers, policymakers, and parents. This inclusive approach ensures our project's outcomes align with the needs and perspectives of autistic students, whilst empowering them.