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Autism and Assistive Technology - 3rd Oct 2012
1) Technology such as iPads, laptops, and specialised software are increasingly being used to help develop communication, social, and learning skills for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 2) While technology shows promise as an assistive tool, it also presents challenges around durability, appropriate app selection, and ensuring it does not replace other important interventions and strategies. 3) For technology to be effective, it must be integrated into a student's program as part of a comprehensive set of interventions and supports, including applied behavioural analysis, visual tools, social stories, and more. Ongoing training, support, and data collection are also needed.
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Autism and Assistive Technology - 3rd Oct 2012
- 1. Spectronics Inclusive LearningTechnologies Autism and Assistive Technology
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- 3. Amanda Hartmann Inclusive TechnologyConsultant (Speech Pathologist)
- 14. Autism AutismSpectrum Disorder (ASD) Range of conditions that share common characteristics, including difficulties with communicating, problem solving and interacting.
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- 16. What we doknow... • 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, over42,000 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
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- 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
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- 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.
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- 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 SpecialEducation By the Spectronics Consultancy Team spectronics.com.au/blog/apple
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- 55. Spectronics Consultancy Team consultants@spectronics.com.au