Not surprising, the emerging field of assistive technology is making inroads regarding communication tools for those with autism. Check out this Digital Dimension’s article Tech's Role in Teaching Autistic Students Evolves. In addition, the article will point you to information about specific products including TeachTown, AutismPro, Inspiration Software, and Mind Reading. Several centers involved with developing resources are noted, like Center for Applied Special Technology (e.g., Universal Design for Learning site) and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, which has developed Autism Internet Modules. What have you heard about assistive technology's use to ease communication for those with special needs? What is your response after reading Tech's Role in Teaching Autistic Students Evolves and exploring information provided from the article's links? (Image from Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Assistive Technology
Not surprising, the emerging field of assistive technology is making inroads regarding communication tools for those with autism. Check out this Digital Dimension’s article Tech's Role in Teaching Autistic Students Evolves. In addition, the article will point you to information about specific products including TeachTown, AutismPro, Inspiration Software, and Mind Reading. Several centers involved with developing resources are noted, like Center for Applied Special Technology (e.g., Universal Design for Learning site) and the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, which has developed Autism Internet Modules. What have you heard about assistive technology's use to ease communication for those with special needs? What is your response after reading Tech's Role in Teaching Autistic Students Evolves and exploring information provided from the article's links? (Image from Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence)
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5 comments:
I found this article both interesting and frustrating. As an educator who has taught many children with autism, I am aware of the many assistive technology devices that can be used. One of the major difficulties that a child with autism faces is the ability to communicate with others. Communication can be impacted to various degrees and depending on a child's anxiety in a given situation. That said, finding an assistive technology device that will enable the child to communicate becomes a critical component in the education process. This is where the frustration comes into play for me. Often, I have seen devices recommended but unable to be utilized due to budget constraints. Also, many of the devices are extremely difficult to use and a formal training must occur before the device is put into use by the child. This requires time, money and commitment on the part of the administration, teacher, parent and child.
What an interesting article! I am also taking an Autism course so I was able to relate this article to some of the information I have learned in that course. I think it is great that the internet is beginning to populate evidence based lists of interventions and strategies to use with children who have austism. Like the article suggests, one child with autism will be different from any other child with autism so the more research based interventions available will be helpful. The problem, however, is being able to find out which program will work with which student. I like the idea of using technology to prepare ALL students but this may be able to be a useful tool with autistic children. It could be a great assessment tool which will display what the child truly knows academically. What I struggle with is that, "Computers and video games are not going to teach a kid with autism how to interact socially." This being the major component or facet to teach children with autism suggests that computer use should be limited. There needs to be a balance so that they are also getting the social experiences and lessons with peers.
After reading this I understand the need to create an interest in reading, but to do so at the expense of imagination is a crime. Just because we have the technology to do something does not mean we should do it. I wonder why adults feel the need to interject into every aspect of childhood. A child’s imagination is a powerful resource that allows them to explore their world and to be creative. Over stimulation through the use of imagery is starting to appear in the literature and not always are the results positive. As for the classroom setting; is this just another way to spend money without a plan for the technologies successful integration.
I think the idea of the technology is amazing. It works with some behaviors on the autistic spectrum, in that the student can focus on an inanimate object and focus. Working in this environment can be very productive for some children with autism. However, as stated one child with autism is one child with autism. Because autism includes a wide range of behavior, it may not work with some or all of the children. Also, I thought another good point was the mention of communication and socialization with children with autism may be further hindered by the use of certain technology. Some people with autism may not like to interact with others in a socialized, collaborative way like in a group project in class. But you do have to be cautious of the possible vacuum it could create causing the child to further de-socialize.
After scanning this article I found that there are several technological devices that have been proven effective in teaching students with Autism. With that being said, I am concerned with the fact that autism is strongly associated with many social difficulties, will the use of technology impact social interaction. The article states that a balance between the two is important and I would have to agree.
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