Autism and Assistive TechnologySpectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies
www.spectronics.com.au
Amanda Hartmann Inclusive Technology Consultant(Speech Pathologist)
AutismAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Range of conditions that share common characteristics, including difficulties with communicating, problem
solving and interacting.
Communication
Social development
Behaviour
ASD
• Don't know exactly what causes ASD
• Brain has not developed in a typical way
• Different parts of the brain don't communicate with each other in a typical way
• No two people with ASD are the same
• Some evidence to suggest it is genetically based
What we do know...
In Australia, over 42,000 children
aged between 0 and 14 have been diagnosed
with Autism.
Communication skillsAutism Spectrum Disorder
Communication skillsAffected in different ways
• Significant delays in speaking, use and understand fewer words
• Not speaking at all (nonverbal)
CommunicationIn those children who do develop speech
• Copy or echo words (echolalia) with no real meaning attached
• Difficulty initiating communication
• Talk about their special interests
• Difficulty using language for a range of purposes
• Use and understand a limited set of vocabulary
Communication
• Children with little or no speech
• Need to be given alternative ways to communicate (commonly called AAC)
• Devices and apps
• Don't forget low tech
• Multimodal approach
Nonverbal
Social development Autism Spectrum Disorder
Social development Early social interaction is difficult
• Appear uninterested in social contact
• Difficult to engage and interact with
• Rarely show interest in others
• May not respond to others
• Little eye contact
• Rarely chat or play with others
In those children who do develop speech
• Difficulty using language appropriately in conversations
• Difficulty understanding social rules and expected behaviours
• Cannot initiate and maintain conversations
• Difficulty making and keeping friends
• Unable to effectively solve social problems and negotiate
• Problems expressing and understanding feelings and emotions
Social development
BehaviourAutism Spectrum Disorder
BehaviourComplex and variable
• Prefer routines and sameness and dislike change
• Meltdowns
• Repetitive behaviours
• Obsess over particular interest areas
• Sensory challenges affect behaviours
• Seek sensory stimulation
Early warning signsSeek advice if you see some or
many of these behaviours:
• Doesn't smile at familiar people
• Doesn't respond to name
• Doesn't easily engage in or even enjoy games
• Doesn't use eye contact
• Doesn't point to things
• Doesn't understand instructions
Early warning signs, more...Seek advice if you see some or
many of these behaviours:
• Intense interest in narrow range of topics
• Obsessed with one game or toy
• Easily upset by change, demands routine
• Unusual body movements
• Extremely sensitive to sensory experiences
• Seeks sensory stimulation
Typical InterventionsIn Australia
Goal directed
Family and education focused
Team decisions
Functional- generalisation
VisualStructured and consistent
Individualised
Behavioural
Technology integrated
Typical interventions include:
• EARLY INTERVENTION
• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Picture Exchange Communication System
• Aided Language Stimulation
• Visual tools
• Social stories
Picture Exchange Communication System
Aided Language Stimulation
Visual Tools Eg. Schedules
Social Stories
TechnologyChanges and challenges
TechnologyCurrently being used:
• Computers/ laptops
• Specialised software
• Websites
• Mobile tablet technologies, eg. iPad
• Growing and expanding
TechnologyIntegrate use to:
• Improve and develop a communication system
• Assist development of social skills
• Enhance ability to learn
iPad revolution
iPad craze iPad frenzy
iPad revolutionIn Australia
New technologies• Mobile and portable
• Easily accessed
• "Normal"
• Motivating
• Cost effective
• User-friendly
• Engaging
• Multi-Functional
Some examplesOf integrating technology
Challengesand solutions...
• Durability
Solution: protective cases and coverings
Challengesand solutions...
• Finding the right Apps/program's
Solution: access blogs and websites that review apps, Autism Apps.
Challengesand solutions...
• One size fits all?
Solution: no quick fix, no single solution, team assessment and problem solving
Challengesand solutions...
• Abandonment of other valuable strategies
Solution: don't throw the baby out with the bath water.. The iPad is just one tool in our tool kit.
spectronics.com.au/blog/tools-and-resources/sett
Challengesand solutions...
• ICT ....
• ie... It Can't Teach
Solution: not the total solution, success relies on the teacher still teaching
Challengesand solutions...
• Training and support
Solution: funding to support ongoing and continuing professional development, access to the right training
Challengesand solutions...
• Ongoing support to implement
Solution: access to regular support services and therapies, collect and review data
Challengesand solutions...
• iPad obsession and keeping kids on task
Solution: Limited music, video and entertainment apps, Use within structured time limits, Use together, encouraging interaction and engagement, iOS 6 - Guided Access
REMEMBER....Continue to support students:
• With clear goals and objectives
• While continuing to collect data
• While reviewing what works and what doesn't
• And stay flexible and ready to make changes on the run
Apps for Special EducationBy the Spectronics Consultancy Team
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Spectronics Consultancy Team