Assistive Technology for students with Autism

The disability I chose was Autism. I selected this because I have personally interacted, on many occasions, with children who were diagnosed with autism. The Center for Parent Information and Resources describes Autism as a developmental disorder that significantly affects verbal and nonverbal communication as well as social interaction. The article also states that children diagnosed with autism often engage in repetitive activities, stereotyped movements, resistance to environmental change, and changes in their daily routine (Center for Parent Information and Resources). When working in an environment full of diverse children I have noticed that children with autism all consistently show an inability to communicate effectively or even communicate at all. I feel that this alone is the biggest challenge when it comes to trying to educate a child with autism. 

As the development of technology has grown immensely, so has the ability to maintain effective teaching for children who may be labeled as “unable to be taught” or “unable to learn.” The evolution of the IPad has become one of the most influential pieces of technology being used to help children communicate when communication can’t physically take place. Different apps were created in order to give people with autism more freedom of speech. The apps also allowed them to feel at ease when trying to voice their thoughts, feelings, and needs. School systems as well are beginning to make IPads accessible for those students who aren’t able to learn in a “normal” setting.

As I watched the YouTube video entitled “Apps for Autism” I was able to get more of a visual on what the apps were like, and how user friendly they are. In this short video there was a young man who used one specific app called “Proloquo2Go,”(https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-symbol-based-aac/id308368164?mt=8). This app provides its user with an endless amount of images as a solution for ineffective communication.  “Autism Express,” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/autism-emotion/id550027186?mt=8) is also another app used to help children express their emotions. Another app that I found called “Look in My Eyes,” (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/look-in-my-eyes-train-engineer/id588178399?mt=8) is used to help practice eye contact. Lastly, the one thing that really stood out to me as I watched this video was when the three teachers sat and talked about why these apps are effective. One teacher said that autistic children would rather interact with this type of technology rather than a human. Following, it was stated that this may be because of how consistent the device is, as well as the user being fully in control (apps for autism, https://youtu.be/F_8b7PgnNQQ).

I feel that for the future, the use of the IPad will continue to emerge to help positively teach and provide easy access for those who can’t communicate, or be taught in a typical classroom setting. It was mentioned in the Apps for Autism clip, that there is more going on in the brain of autistic children than many may realize. As these apps are beginning to become more popular, many teachers and parents are able to see positive progression as these children interact with this device. School systems as well are trying out some of these techniques in order to find ways to effectively communicate and learn while children are at school. As well as cater to each child’s specific needs when it comes to positive brain development.   

References

https://youtu.be/F_8b7PgnNQQ

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/categories/