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: