Autism is a disorder that begins at birth or withing the first 2-3 years of life. Many children diagnosed with Autism suffer from speech and language. Using a computer software or a device that allows practice for the child can be very beneficial. It is a disorder of neural development characterized by difficulty in social interaction and communication.
This is a great YouTube clip that discusses the benefits and the importance of using educational technology. It is important to keep in mind the content rather than the technology.
Technology is a high interest area for many of these children.
Any piece of equipment that will help increase and improve the functional capabilities of individuals with Autism should be used!
By using appropriate educational, assistive technologies,children with Autism, who are typically more visual than auditory, will improve their functional capabilities.
Few highly acclaimed software programs:
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Sound Beginnings
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Speaking for Myself
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Musical Leaps and Bounds
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School Routines and Rules
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All About Ourselves
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Choices, Choices
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My Community
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Grammar Trainer 2
Here is a video on YouTube from UC Irvine about a professor and her graduate students designed
computer devices to help Autism students to learn individually.
David Kolbs: Experiential Learning
David Kolb is an American educational theorist whose focus was on experiential learning. His four-stage learning cycle shows how experience is translated through reflection into concepts. It is then turned into guides for experimentation. Kolb identifies four learning
styles that correspond to the stages:
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Assimilators learn better when presented with sound logical theories
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Convergers learn better when provided with practical applications
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Accomodators learn better when provided with "hands-on" experiences
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Divergers learn better when allowed to observe and collect information
References
1.Cutter, D. (2010, April 9). How assistive technology helps children with autism communicate and develop independent living skills. Retrieved from http://www.brighthub.com/education/special/articles/2723.aspx
2. Educational software for autistic children. (2007). Retrieved from http://disease.holplus.com/Conditions/Autism/Educational-Software-For-Autistic-Children.html
3. Roger, B. (n.d.). Technology in education: current trends. Retrieved from http://www.answers.com/topic/technology-in-education-current-trends
4.Silverman, L. (n.d.). The visual-spatial learner: an introduction. Retrieved from http://www.gifteddevelopment.com/Visual_Spatial_Learner/vsl.htm
5. UCIRVINENEWS. (2009). Technology Helps Teach Kids with Autism (UC Irvine). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQ5mPzxfy7g&feature=related
6.VOALearningEnglish, Initials. (Producer). (2010).Educational technology: not just computers. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Crff9fAuU