Autism Apps: Technology Showing the Way
Most of us use apps on a daily basis. Most smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices run apps that let us catch up on news, connect to social media, and help us play games.
A leading computer and technology company based in California recently hosted an autism hackathon on its campus. More than 100 company software engineers and autism advocates came together to develop touch screen applications for children with autism. Team members, working with autistic children, began developing apps to help them overcome challenges. Some of the applications include verbal and speech learning, games and communication assistants. These new applications will soon be released free on the Internet and will encourage children to learn according to their individual interests, develop communication skills and forge a social relationship with other children who have a common interest in technology.
These apps for children with autism have the potential to greatly improve communication and social skills. In a study on an autistic child, scientists used video inputs and FM audio trainers to see if both skills improved with the use of these devices. After a few weeks of investigation, the boy showed substantially increased attention to auditory and visual cues. New apps for children with autism that the tech company is developing will use these cues to help develop behavioral and communication skills.
Most kids today know how to use a tab or a smartphone. They mainly use it to play. Innovations in the “hackathon” will build on the ease of using a touch screen for autistic children and allow them to download fun and educational apps.
A study of new smartphone technology looks at the old Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) method and compares it to updated communication systems running on apps. Laminated cards were used in PECS to teach and improve communication and social skills. The new technology allows the digitization of these cards on a touch screen. Educators, children, and parents find it much easier to use the new PECS.
Motivation to use apps for children with autism increases with the use of smartphones, computers, or other touch screen devices. Technology is becoming a more important way to provide fun and easy ways for autistic children to socialize and communicate. Many schools have already introduced apps into their curriculum.
Technology is ingrained in our lives, from a young age. The advent of the touch screen will help children with autism learn important life skills. Everything from communication, social relationships, independence to auditory and visual learning can be improved with these apps.
A moving story about how apps for children with autism can change a child’s life is the case of Jordan, a child with the disorder. Jordan was never able to communicate verbally when he was young. But technology has changed his life. His moving poem “Silent No More” describes his journey from a child who could not communicate to someone who now has immense potential in the domain of communication technology.
