Assistive Technology & Autism
People with autism are unable to interact with the world in a way that is meaningful to others. Assistive technology can help a person with autism overcome that inability and improve his quality of life.
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Identification
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Autism is a condition that causes an inability to communicate and issues with social interactions. People with autism are often very sensitive to sound and textures that others would not notice. Skills that develop naturally in others, such as fine motor skills, might be weak in someone with autism.
Communication
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Expressing needs and desires can be one of the biggest challenges for a person with autism. There are assistive devices available that are both high and low tech depending on the person's skills. An example of a low-tech communication solution would be a photo album containing pictures that a person with autism can point to in order to represent what they are trying to say. A high-tech solution would be the TapToTalk program, which turns the Nintendo DS in a voice-communication device.
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Sensory Issues
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A person with autism might be extremely sensitive to sounds that other people would not hear. Using sound blocking ear phones can make it possible for her to function in a situation that would otherwise be too loud for her. Some people with autism find deep pressure to be comforting. A weighted vest can provide this while still allowing her to continue with daily activities.
Fine Motor Skills
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Underdeveloped or weak fine motor skills can make tasks such as eating and writing very difficult. Building up handles on utensils and pencils will make them easier to grip and simpler to use. The use of a computer can replace the need to write in many situations.
Considerations
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Autism affects each person differently. Therefore, it is important to consider what the individual's needs and goals are when deciding what technology to use.
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References
- Photo Credit children image by yaros from Fotolia.com
