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Adaptive Technology Some Helpful Devices
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"Chatbox" from www.abledata.com
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"Chatbox" from www.abledata.com |
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TECHNOLOGY If you are a teacher of an autism classroom, chances are you are relying heavily on the following technological devices: digital camera, colored/photo printer, and a laminating machine (plus yards and yards of Velcro!). But for your students, there are numerous computer and software programs that could help an autistic student develop language, recognize emotions, daily living skills, functional skils, and other academic programs tailored to provide a lot of visual cues instead of auditory ones. For a list and discussions of what some of these programs are, please go to the following links on the right side of the page: "Educational Software for Autistic Students" and "Autism Coach." One important thing to keep in mind is that many children with autism exhibit some form of speech and language delay. There are many who may be diagnosed with verbal apraxia, a speech/language disorder. If you are working with a student who is non-verbal or has these signifcant challenges, you can use devices called "voice output communication aids" or VOCA. VOCA's are devices where the user can record or pre-program certain common or functional words and phrases which the non-verbal student can then replay when communicating a want or need to another person. These devices can help the non-verbal student express themselves to others--they can use the VOCA machine to augment their speech or clarify what they are trying to express to others. A detailed discussion of VOCA and other adaptive technology devices can be find on the link on the right. Since one of the things I stressed as a autism teacher was schedule, the last technological device that comes to my mind is the use of some sort of hand-held device or personal data assistants to help an autistic student keep track of his daily tasks and help keep him organized. PDA's are VISUAL and are a lot more portable than carrying a binder of icons around. |
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