XAIScreen4SpLDs: An Explainable AI (XAI) Based Automated Pre-Screening Tool for Specific Learning Disabilities in Children

Summary

Primary Research Question: Can a portable low-cost smartphone-based app incorporating a prediction model be used for point-of-care screening for Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) in children with their first language?

In general, children with disabilities are frequently excluded from early childhood education. Many parents lack the ability to identify their children’s disabilities unless these are physically evident. This leads to drastic delays for such children in reaching their developmental milestones. Worse, at the community level, many cultural and religious beliefs attribute children’s disabilities (whether physical, developmental, or psychosocial) to curses, incest, a punishment for past-life sins or sins committed by family members. In the global south, several children with SpLDs remain unidentified due to limited resources and screening tools [1]. It is very important that the children need to be screened/assessed in their first language.

Dyslexia is the most common SpLDs comprising 80% of all diagnosed SpLDs [2]. It is reported in the literature that the reading will be challenging for Dyslexic children. At the same time, recent research works showed handwriting-based Dyslexia detection as a new direction [3, 4]. Therefore, in this PhD project, we aim to develop handwritten image-based prediction models for SpLDs screening. The proposed work will be established and enhanced based on the knowledge gained from our previous works on handwritten images [3] and, XAI approach [5].

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development calls for countries to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’ (Sustainable Development Goal 4). To achieve this goal, the XAIScreen4SpLDs project aims to develop a portable low-cost smartphone-based app incorporating a prediction model to be used for point-of-care screening for SpLDs in children with their first language. This will be a stand-alone mobile app and no internet connection is needed.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 70%
• For VCRS Awards, Masters at 75%
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.