Assistive Technology for students with Autism

         

          Under IDEA Autism is defined as a disability “significantly affecting verbal and nonverbal communication and social interaction” (IDEA). Talk about a mass blanket term for such a wildly misunderstood disability. Autism has its own awareness month in April, often you see the words Autism depicted with puzzle pieces this is simply a campaign to find the “missing link”. Autism Speaks reaches a little more in depth into the disability, it is an organization responsible for educating and supporting people about the Autistic community their site can be found at https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/symptoms. They say children with Autism are typically in one of the following categories or in multiple have social-interaction disabilities, communication disabilities, and or engaging in repetitive behaviors (Autism Speaks). However, children in this spectrum can suffer from other medical concerns like sleep disturbances, anxiety, hyperactivity or even mood disorders (Autism Speaks). It is vastly uncertain what causes this disability which is generally where the “missing link” campaign comes in; however, it is genuinely concluded to genetics or instances occurring in the womb. This community often uses all kinds of assistive technology.

            The most common Assistive Technology Autistic children use is tablets and or iPads. The iPad is probably the most adaptable piece with several apps parents can use that have depictions of objects a child may need or want. This iPad is widely accepted and used simply because of its easy portability, a direct touch screen, easy to break down learning and home topics and a sense of independence as the

child learns to use this technology and build on their educational standards (ASDF). 

This technology is introduced and followed through by Speech Therapists (Autism Speaks). They work on first using it as a tool to teach children to ask for objects like a ball, or a juice box and go from there (Autism Speaks). The child typically learns very quickly they can get anything they want if they click on the right picture. From there the app verbally announces the item, then the next step is to get the child to repeat what is being asked (Autism Speaks), this step takes time and patience. While this is a very useful tool it takes a lot of time and practice to have this item become a staple in everyday lives of nonverbal children.

The most popular app is Proloquo 2 Go; information found at http://www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go; it is widely available entirely customizable, and comes in multiple languages(Proloquo2Go.com). Not only is this offered on tablets its even offered on phones now making on the go conversations even easier as children continue to grow. There is however a $150 cost to buy this app. When it comes to easy accessibility and looking for an app to give essential educational needs Proloquo offers it all.     

    

            It is hard to predict the future for these assistive technologies but I believe the possibilities are endless. We used to use paper print outs to work with nonverbal children, that developed into button pushing items, and now we have touch

screens. With technology, every growing I think it is amazing the things we have already come up with. Apple just announced a release for their app Proloquo2Go on the new Apple watches making this technology really “wearable”. There are tons of thousands of customizable apps for children of all disabilities to use, in the future I find it will only get better. The technology will get even greater and I see so much growth possible for children to learn and grow just like everyone else.

Websites Used

AssistiveWare

            “Proloquo2Go.” AssistiveWare, Assistive Ware Inc., 13 June 2017, www.assistiveware.com/product/proloquo2go.

Autism Speaks Incorporated

            “Symptoms.” Autism Speaks, Autism Speaks Inc., 20 Mar. 2013, www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/symptoms.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation

            “Why the IPad Is Such a Helpful Learning Tool for Children With Autism.” Edited by ASDF,Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, ASDF, Jan. 2017, http://myasdf.org/site/media-center/articles/why-the-ipad-is-such-a-helpful-learning-tool-for-children-with-autism/.

Center for Parent Information and Resources

            Wilson, Jessica. “Categories of Disability Under IDEA.” Center for Parent Information and Resources, 14 Mar. 2017, www.parentcenterhub.org/categories/#speech.

Sites used for extra pictures

https://www.dealwithautism.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/iPad-for-Autism-Treatment.jpg

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1366&bih=613&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=autism&oq=autism&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0i67k1j0l2j0i67k1.395045.395804.0.396098.6.6.0.0.0.0.94.510.6.6.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..0.6.509....0.s-Sy7E0yLns#imgrc=PnXSr8R2FNM9fM:

DL School Choices

 

*The above image was found while looking through the sites and I believe this is exactly why people choose online. Very cool!

My Experience:

            I have some experience with E-schooling. My high school set up for me to do online because I was insanely bullied to the point my house was egged and vandalized, there was phone calls to the house of people with hateful words and even Facebook pages set up as “petitions for the fat girls death”. To say the least I needed out and would not continue to go to school. My high school worked with me to pull me out and take the test to do AP classes through online and in person CSCC classes. It was tricky and I almost did not get in but I by a miracle did.

            Back then ECOT and such was not as famous and because I was smart this is kind of how I got around it. it was the best decision I ever made. I instantly felt relief. I never had to face any of them again and I had time to work on me and myself. 

Exploring Online School Options:

Ohio Virtual Academy

·         I think visually this site was the least appealing, it looks outdated and does not give a fun fresh feeling. Yes, I am looking for an online schooling but as a parent I need to know the school I am enrolling into is fun, educationally sound, and offers a family like connection because my kid if about to invest their lives into the school. It better be the best I can find and needs a supportive environment.

·         However, information is clear and the site works functionally all links open to the correct information and it does have decent information. I like that it does not overwhelm you with too much information.

·         This site offers a chat now button and I think that’s great kind of shows a sign of support and offers you the chance to consider other options and kind of collect data while you wait for the school to contact you.

Ohio Connections Academy

·         I feel the layout of this website is much easier to read. Nothing fancy but the information is placed in an appealing way. for example, the open to pictures and testimonials which is a great attention grabber. The main color used is orange which is a more neutral color and great for a mellow tone.

·         The site is very easy to use and information is clearly placed. On almost every page there is a side bar that can pull you directly to the information you need. Easy to find information helps a parent make clear decisions.

·         To reach this school it offers phone calls, emails or even visiting a center school. Which is nice they do have a business location and aid for any technical issues.

ECOT

·         I think ECOT is this most visually modern appealing site out of all of them. It looks fresh, information is simple and presented in a fun way. I like the classic feel this site has it draws you and helps you feel like the school is well educated, knows how to engage its audience, and gives real life examples.

·         Overall the information is very simple and to the point which is what readers look for. Long paragraphs that run together tend to not get read. As a society, we look for the immediate answer to that question and once I heard we only remember the yes or no result.

·         As a young adult or even a young parent this site dazzles you can reach them on the phone or through email. 

IF I had to enroll a child: 

            In this scenario, I am looking to pick a school for my child. So, let us say my child is being bullied and no longer wishes to attend their current high school. I want my child to be offered top education despite its not the typical way. I have an older child and keeping their attention is important I would look for a visually appealing site to pull in my attention and to even look to pull in theirs.

            While going online is a scary jump to take I feel I would choose ECOT, I have heard many wonderful things about this program and as you look through the site you can see they really value education and simplicity. I love the way information is presented in a clear easy to read way, I would as a child look for information to be presented on exactly what I need no fluff. Things I would avoid is outdated looking technology and or sites that have overlapping information like Ohio Virtual Academy. To me this site felt cluttered and looked unorganized, as a I ventured forward I realized it really was an amazing site however visually I also know the simpler the better. This site was too overwhelming and I would not want my child’s education windows to appear the same way it does on their website. 

Special Education Passion

I am currently emailing the professor as I have spent the last two hours trying to embed this post. I'm not sure what is going on but I cannot change my article back to Prezi Classic and I am using Prezi Next. The next feature does not have an embed option and it will not let me go to classic. I see many people also struggled with this. I'm very sad because I worked incredibly hard on my report. Hopeful she has mercy for those of us that could not embed the presentation but was able to embed a video into their Prezi presentation. See Ted Talk for reference. So here is my link  https://prezi.com/view/FfJSOxqHaQ4TwKPi7Fls/.


As I wish to work in Preschool special education my presentation is directed towards my boss and peers. My classroom would be more interested in photos and fun stories, which I would happily oblige to do! I was terrified to use this Prezi however it was extremely user friendly and it was a breeze to work with. I definitely see me using this to present instead of PowerPoint. 

I think I took the time to introduce myself, my family, and a brief overview of why I got into teaching. My family was very influential and I loved helping them grow. I find myself imagining the wonderful things they will all do one day and it starts with early help and education. Without assistive technology my family never would have understood my cousins until they were 5. They were completely non-verbal but with the help of iPad apps we actually understood their wants and needs and they developed language by copying the app. I also love the Ted Talk I added in, it's about inclusion into regular classrooms and for these kids peer education is crucial. They learn how to act, speak and react based on repeating familiar situations. This really helps their confidence too by building relationships.

Three Great Teaching Blogs

Looking at teaching blogs I of course found myself looking at my coffee pot because that is typically where I find my morning inspiration. However, after a cup or two I started looking for people teaching the same age as me. Most likely because hey they could totally give me some great ideas! I looked into preschool teaching blogs and found about a million of my closest friends. However when it came down to picking three I found they all had some things in common.

·      All had posted within the last two weeks

·      The pages were bright, colorful, and inviting; just like a classroom might be.

·      They displayed fun and loving pictures of activities, print-outs, of themselves, and even some photos of kids learning.

·      They all included links and various resources for different materials.

That being said I find the following three blogs to be the best examples of how I would like to see my own become throughout the semester.

http://www.pocketofpreschool.com/

 

http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/

 

http://preschoolwondersblog.blogspot.com/

Welcome to my Blog...

            

      Hello, my name is Liz and I currently teach at a care center working in preschool, around the ages of 2-3 years old. I work with another woman and we co-teach twelve rambunctious toddlers. Our daily lives include family meal times, activity time, free time, outdoor play, and our classroom is prone to random dance parties. It was not always this grand, about two weeks after I started the teacher I was working with decided to quit. I spent the next six months working with substitutes. Which to no surprise was a challenge and a half. I remember when they told me they had finally found me a teacher; I laughed right in my director’s face and said “ok”. I had heard so many times that it “wouldn’t be much longer” or “we are looking for the right fit” that I had given up hope. However, there we were December 27 freshly back from our long Christmas weekend when an older woman walked into our classroom and forever changed our little room. That marvelous woman’s name was Angie, and together we are a forced to be reckoned with.

       I never imagined I would be a teacher; in fact, I was an EMT fresh out of high school. When I suffered a horrific car crash, I left the field and found work as a retail associate. It would not be until several years later my friend would tell me about an opening as a teacher with the special education program. When I first started teaching, I had no idea what I was doing; I was an assistant and just helping the best I could. However, my compassion and loving nature had won over all the teachers and students. Now that I work in my own classroom, things are different. We offer emergent curriculum and that means I can teach about anything my children are passionate about, and I love that freedom! My ultimate goal as a teacher is to just be there and be present for my students. At my classrooms developmental age we are growing, changing, and devolving more opinions every second! I just always hope I am there and providing what they need. Goals for my classroom are always simple

1.   Have fun.

2.   Explore something new every day, even if that thing is laying on the floor-watching waterfall from the overflowing sink.

 

3.   Encourage and facilitate learning, in a fun and enticing manor.

4.   Follow the schedule while glancing at the lesson plan you worked on so hard.

5.   Eat three square meals a day, and get in water breaks. (teachers and students)

6.   When all else fails… break out the dance music!

 

Info about the photo- with these last few moments of summer fading away i'

 

ll never forget the insane amount of bubble dance parties my class had this year. *cheers* to a great summer!

Photo credit: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c3/43/8d/c3438d81b94b6846a4308f94f4606162.jpg