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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

consultants@spectronics.com.au