How can parents help children with autism learn?

Autistic children learn to use many assistive strategies in therapy and school, but they have trouble performing these tasks outside of the places they learn them. It can be incredibly helpful for parents to incorporate the things autistic children learn at home. Having them perform these activities at home helps them adjust to having these habits in new surroundings. Parents should observe therapy appointments or communicate with the therapist so that they can encourage children to do the activities at home.

Assistive Technologies that can be used at home:

One example of an assistive technology that parents can use at home is a visual chart of activities that are to be performed in a day. It can include activities such as nap time, chores time, homework time, etc. The visual images help children with autism pay attention to the activities. Colorful images help to capture their attention.

Another example of an assistive technology that parents can supply to children is computers or iPads. There are so many possibilities of games and apps that can help autistic children learn to communicate better. “Communicate Easy” is an app that allows parents to take pictures of household items or activities. Children can then click on the picture to hear the name of the item, or parents can make visual picture charts quickly and effectively. Below the App Icon is pictured.

 

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/autism_help.htm

http://autismappszone.com

Question: How is technology used to help children with Autism learn?

Browsing articles on the subject of autism and technology, I came across one that discusses “low”, “mid”, and “high” technology assistive strategies. This article, (http://www.eastersealstech.com/2011/09/27/assistive-technology-for-children-with-autism-and-aspergers/) written by Nikol P, gives specific examples of each of these. I had previous knowledge about the habits of autistic children, including their lack of ability to communicate effectively, but I never thought about how much technology can help with this problem. 

This visual schedule is an example of a “low” tech assistive strategy. Autistic children tend to be more calm if they understand what is going on, and the pictures help make up for their lack of ability to listen to a teacher explain the schedule verbally. I can imagine the fun designs and pictures also get autistic children’s attention. This method probably makes the typical school day go by slightly more smoothly. 

 

(http://www.specialed.us/autism/assist/asst14.htm)

The “mid” technological device shown above is a “Voice in the Box”. It allows children to develop language skills in a comfortable environment where they aren’t intimidated by one-on-one conversation with a teacher. “Mid technology provides the means of expressive language that the autistic individual lacks.” Tape recorders are also considered “mid” technology. 

 

(http://studentweb.con.ohio-state.edu/PhD%20Resources/What%20kind%20of%20computer%20resources%20are%20avialable.aspx)

Lastly, a computer is considered a “high” technology assistive device because there are so many ways to use it. Often, use of a computer increases attention and fine motor skills. Many autistic children are comfortable using computers.  Simon Cohen said “We can use computers to teach emotion recognition and to simplify communication by stripping out facial and vocal emotional expressions and slowing it down using email instead of face-to-face real-time modes.” I have a friend who has high-functioning autism, and ever since a young age she has loved computers, the internet, and communicating with me through text and email. She finds it really easy to communicate when she’s not expected to look someone in the eyes.

I’m really glad I found this and many other articles on the different types of assistive technology that can be used to help kids learn. It makes sense that technology gives a real advantage for autistic children because technology helps us communicate in many ways.