Dr. Efi Karatopouzi
American Community Schools of Athens (ACS Athens), 129 Aghias Paraskevis Ave. & Kazantzaki, Street, Halandri, Athens, Greece

Title: Leveraging AI and Wearable Devices to Enhance Physical Activity and Social-Emotional Learning for Children with ADHD and Special Needs: Advancing Balance, Focus, and Neuroplasticity.

Abstract: This article explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting children with ADHD and special needs during physical education (PE) classes. It highlights how AI, when paired with wearable devices and motion sensors, can enhance physical skills, focus, and social-emotional learning (SEL). For children with ADHD, maintaining attention and coordination can be challenging, but AI tools provide real-time feedback, helping them stay engaged, improve balance, and boost confidence. The article emphasizes the benefits of personalized goal setting enhanced sensory integration, and neuroplasticity stimulation through interactive AI. By gamifying physical activities and incorporating SEL, these technologies offer a motivating and inclusive environment for children with special needs, promoting both cognitive and emotional growth. The article concludes that early implementation of AI-driven tools can significantly enhance physical, emotional, and social development, offering a promising avenue in special education.

BIO:Ms. Efi Karatopouzi, born in Greece with dual Greek-Australian citizenship, brings a wealth of international experience to her role as a physical education professional. Raised abroad until the completion of first grade, she returned to Greece, where she graduated from a Greek high school and pursued her academic career at the School of Physical Education and Sports Science at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. There, she earned a B.A. with a specialization in Track and Field. In 2017, she expanded her expertise with a B.A. in Child Psychology from the University of the Aegean, followed by a diploma in Mindfulness Studies from the UMass Memorial Institute of Massachusetts. Additionally, she holds diplomas in Play Therapy and is a certified Kids Yoga Family Instructor.

Ms. Karatopouzi has undergone extensive professional development, including courses on teaching methods for large classes and specialized physical education for children with autism. She is a certified coach in Archery, Track and Field, and National Nordic sports. With a strong foundation in both physical education and psychology, she has significant experience working with diverse populations, including volunteer work at the Zannio Institution for abused children. As a seasoned fitness teacher, she has instructed adults and children at various sports clubs and institutions. Her athletic achievements include 15 years as a member of the Greek National Track & Field Team, competing in national and international events.

A co-founder and co-creator of Fitness Nordic, Ms. Karatopouzi promotes physical wellness through innovative platforms. She is also the author of Role Exercise Workout: A New Way to Foster Creativity Through Listening and Physical Activity, a children's book that encourages imaginative engagement through exercise. Furthermore, she is the inventor of the SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) Inventor App, designed for teams in schools and companies. This innovative tool supports the development of emotional awareness, social skills, and collaboration, enhancing team dynamics through a combination of physical activity and emotional intelligence training.

Since joining ACS Athens in 2016, Ms. Karatopouzi has served as a Physical Education Teacher at the Elementary School and held various roles within the Athletic Department across all school levels, including the ACS Athens Summer Camp. In 2017-2018, she launched a Mindfulness program for Junior Kindergarten students, which has continued successfully. Her research on this program was presented at the International Mindfulness Convention in Slovenia. Her contributions to research have been published in academic journals and presented at conferences across Europe.

Dedicated to professional development, Ms. Karatopouzi earned her Happiness Coach certification in 2023 and is a certified Positive Discipline educator. She also offers her expertise voluntarily to the Youth-to-Youth Program at ACS Athens and is an active member of the ECIS Physical Education Committee. Additionally, she is a certified rescuer through the Greek Civil Protection program and a Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC), reflecting her holistic approach to health, education, and wellness.