Autism is a developmental disorder diagnosed on the basis of early emerging social and communication impairments and social and communication impairments and rigid and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. The manifestation of these varies greatly with age and ability.
What are assistive technologies ?
Assistive technologies are those which improve or increase the functional abilities of person who are disabled . It can be any product, equipment, software program, or system which enhance person daily living and learning.
Benefits of assistive technologies in children with autism?
Challenges with typical social engagement , common in the autism experience can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Recent advances in sensing , intelligent, and interactive technologies can enable new form of assistive and augmentative technologies to improve social Interaction.
Benefits:
- Improve social interaction
- Improve independence in daily living activities
- Increase level of participation
- Increase level of inclusion with peers
- Improve communication ability
- Enables engage in purposeful, meaningful activities
Low tech assistive technologies
It refers to unsophisticated devices , non electronic devices which include
- Pencil grips
- Book holders
- Toys and games
- Symbol cards
- Visual tools
- Sign language
- Symbol boards
Mid tech assistive technologies
Devices are more complicated and many of them are manufactured . It includes
- Hearing aids
- Tape recorders
- Braille
- Screen magnifier
- Audio books
High tech assistive technologies
Devices involve the use of sophisticated communication and environmental control system that are electronically based. It includes
- Tablets
- I-pads
- Communication devices
- Specialized communication software
Assistive technologies for communication
AAC
AAC directly support a person ability to communicate .There are different types of low tech AAC supports like PECS, communication board, Pre programmed switch, to high-tech communication devices with robust language systems.
Assistive technologies for writing
Motor aspects
- Adaptive grips
- Slant-boards
- Voice recognition software
Assistive technologies Computer access
- Adapted keyboards
- Keyguard
- Alternate mouse
- Switches
- Scanning
Assistive technologies for ADLs
- Dycem
- Adaptive dressing equipment
- Adaptive eating utensils
Assistive technologies for seating and positioning
- Non-slip surface
- Bolsters
- Wheelchair inserts
Assistive technologies for vision
- Eye glasses
- Large print materials
- CCTV
- Braille
- Alternate keyboards
Assistive technologies for hearing
- Pen and papers
- Closed captioning
- FM system
- Signaling devices
Challenges
- Durability
- Finding the right programs
- Abandonment of other valuable strategies
Reference : ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES FOR PEOPLE WITH ASD: R LANG, S RAMDOSS, A CARNET
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT STUDENT WITH AUTISM AND INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
