Presentation by Amanda Har

1. Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies
Autism and Assistive Technology

2. www.spectronics.com.au

3. Amanda Hartmann
Inclusive Technology Consultant
(Speech Pathologist)

14. Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Range of conditions that share common characteristics,
including difficulties with communicating, problem
solving and interacting.

15. ASD
Communication
Social development
Behaviour

16. What we do know...
• 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

17. In Australia,
over 42,000 children
aged between 0 and 14
have been diagnosed
with Autism.

19. Communication skills
Autism Spectrum Disorder

20. Communication skills
Affected in different ways
• Significant delays in speaking, use and
understand fewer words
• Not speaking at all (nonverbal)

21. Communication
In 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

22. Communication
Nonverbal
• 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

23. Social development
Autism Spectrum Disorder

24. 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

25. Social development
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

26. Behaviour
Autism Spectrum Disorder

27. Behaviour
Complex and variable
• Prefer routines and sameness and dislike change
• Meltdowns
• Repetitive behaviours
• Obsess over particular interest areas
• Sensory challenges affect behaviours
• Seek sensory stimulation

28. Early warning signs Seek 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

29. 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

30. Technology integrated Goal directed
Behavioural
Team decisions
Typical Interventions
In Australia
Functional- generalisation
Structured and consistent
Visual
Individualised
Family and education focused

31. Typical interventions include:
• EARLY INTERVENTION
• Applied Behavioural Analysis
• Picture Exchange Communication System
• Aided Language Stimulation
• Visual tools
• Social stories

32. Picture
Exchange
Communication
System

33. Aided
Language
Stimulation

34. Visual Tools
Eg. Schedules

35. Social
Stories

36. Technology
Changes and challenges

37. Technology
Currently being used:
• Computers/ laptops
• Specialised software
• Websites
• Mobile tablet technologies, eg. iPad
• Growing and expanding

38. Technology
Integrate use to:
• Improve and develop a communication
system
• Assist development of social skills
• Enhance ability to learn

39. In Australia
iPad revolution
iPad craze
iPad frenzy

40. • User-friendly
• Engaging
• Multi-Functional
New technologies
• Mobile and portable
• Easily accessed
• "Normal"
• Motivating
• Cost effective

41. Some examples
Of integrating technology

42. Challenges
and solutions...
• Durability
Solution: protective cases and coverings

43. Challenges
and solutions...
• Finding the right Apps/program's
Solution: access blogs and websites that
review apps, Autism Apps.

44. Challenges
and solutions...
• One size fits all?
Solution: no quick fix, no single solution, team
assessment and problem solving

45. Challenges
and 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.

46. spectronics.com.au/blog/tools-and-resources/sett

47. Challenges
and solutions...
• ICT ....
• ie... It Can't Teach
Solution: not the total solution, success relies
on the teacher still teaching

48. Challenges
and solutions...
• Training and support
Solution: funding to support ongoing and
continuing professional development, access
to the right training

49. Challenges
and solutions...
• Ongoing support to implement
Solution: access to regular support services
and therapies, collect and review data

50. Challenges
and 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

51. 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

52. Apps for Special Education
By the Spectronics Consultancy Team
spectronics.com.au/blog/apple

53. Subscription
spectronics.com.au/online

54. facebook.com/Spectronics
twitter.com/Spectronics
Spectronics.com.au/Blog

55. Spectronics Consultancy Team
consultants@spectronics.com.au