How Technology Helps Kids with Autism

By Sahithi Lingampalli, Edited by Shoffana Sundaramoorthy & Uday Lingampalli, Layout By Arushi Patil, Art By Sharon Pan, & Blogged By Taruni Manam

Technology is a huge aspect of our lives, and we’ve made huge advancements with it as well. Technology can help with communication, schedules, decision making, motivation and social networking (Autism Speaks, 2018). Here are some forms of technology that help improve the lives of kids with autism.

Communication & Vocational Assistance

Issues with communication are one of the first symptoms of autism. Each child may present these issues differently, as well as have various levels of difficulty with communication. Some kids may have trouble carrying out conversations, others have trouble with their facial expressions or gestures, and others may be entirely non-verbal. One technique involving technology to help with communication are apps or devices that can vocalize speech for children, who can type or identify pictures (Hobbs). These apps include things like TouchChat, where pictures are displayed, and the person can select images to form sentences, which the device will speak out loud.

Schedules

Many kids with autism feel comfortable with a daily schedule, and being prepared for what comes next. They like knowing how their day will be going — which is why apps that can connect pictures with words, and give visuals for their day are helpful. Charts that display anything from an evening personal care routine, to brushing their teeth, can help guide kids with special needs — as well as possibly make it more engaging through the use of games, rewards or stimulating graphics.

Decision Making

Making a choice can be hard, more so for children with autism. Having choices visually has increased in simplicity, with smartphones in our daily lives. Things like pulling up a menu is easier, and technology also allows for a huge range of tools. Using devices to aid with decision making also helps improve self advocacy among kids, as they will be available at any time, and are easy to use.

Motivation

Learning can also be hard for kids with autism or special needs — this is why the use of a reward is helpful. With visually engaging apps and games, good behavior and achieving goals can easily be rewarded. These apps and games can also be used to calm down kids who are anxious or upset as well!

Social Networking

It can be hard for kids with autism to also make friends in person, due to the anxiety they may face from having to make eye contact, as well as starting a conversation or maintaining it. Using social media can help them make friends, and also slowly begin to exercise the skills they need to branch out in person!

References

Autism Speaks. (2018, September 2). How Technology Can Help. Retrieved from: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit-excerpt/how-technology-can-help

Hobbs, Katherine G. (2020, December 16). https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/assistive-technology-autism/

By Sharon Pan