How and why children with autism need to use Assistive Technology

Children with Autism need to use assistive technology for many reasons:

1.     Overall understanding of their environment

2.     Expressive communication

3.     Social interaction skills

4.     Attention skills

5.     Motivation skills

6.     Organization Skills

7.     Academic skills

8.     Self help skills

9.     Overall independent daily functioning skills.

Children with autism have difficulty processing auditory information, thus, any form of low tech to high tech device that will increase the opportunity for visual input will subsequently improve the capabilities of children with autism in every aspect of daily living.

Low technology includes a support strategy that does not involve any type of electricity or battery to operate the device. These are typically low cost and easy to use equipment.

1. Dry erase boards
2. Clip boards
3. Binders
4. Folders
5.   Photo albums
6. PECS (Picture Exchange Communcation System)
7. TOBIs -True Object Based Icons are line drawings or pictures that are cut out in the actual shape or outline for the item they represent. The child can both see and feel the symbol and shape. Two-dimensional representation system
8. Boardmaker – The Mayer-Johnson softwear program which offers a 3,000 picture communication symbol library.

2. Mid technology includes battery operated devices or electronic devices that require limited advancements in technology.

1. Tape recorder
2.  Language Master – This device is about 25 years old that contain cards with a recordable strip at the bottom with a corresponding visual cue. A short verbal message can be recorder on each card and played through the Language Master
3.   Overhead projector
4. Timers
5. Calculators
6. Video camcorder
7. Simple voice output devices or (VOCA) Voice output communication Aids – These devices are used as an augmentative means to communicate. Usually battery operated and portable recording devices that use a simple button activation method for a corresponding visual representation.

High technology mainly includes any computer or video gaming device.  More details will be posted at a latter time about high technology options and software applications.

Many children with autism are highly motivated by technology because due to their predictability and consistency compared to the unpredictable nature of humans. These uses place the child in control increasing opportunities to become more independent in the occupation of learning.

References:

Miller-Kuhaneck, H and Walting, R. (2010) Autism: A comprehensive OT approach. 3^rd edition, AOTA press.

Susan Stokes. “Assistive technology for children with Autism”

Introduction to Advances in Technology

We all use tools to make our lives more efficient and accessible. Technology plays a huge part in opening up a world for people of all abilities. This blog will address the levels of technology used with the ASD population in an attempt to provide you with opportunities to learn what assistive technology is available to match the needs of individuals with ASD. Whether its to assist with education, communication, social networking, planning, or web browsing, technology can afford opportunities that are in line with the specific learning style of the population with ASD.

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