The use of computers, video games, and mobile devices in traditional schools is something that has received a lot of attention in both the mainstream and specialist press recently, and with good reason. Mobile devices are a part of everyday life now, and it would be foolish to ignore the value of having an encyclopaedia, effectively, in your pocket.
In the rush to improve the learning experience for the majority however, it’s all too easy to forget about those who are in need of supported living arrangements. The value of technology in autism care should not be underestimated.
There’s an app for everything
The iPad is an incredibly flexible device – it’s easy to use, fairly rugged, and big enough that even young children with limited co-ordination can make good use of it. Developers have noticed this, and there are numerous apps that are perfect for use by supported living groups.
Children on the autistic spectrum have a range of different needs. Each child is different, and those differences should be taken into account in any autism care scheme. With that said, there are a range of apps available that will help autistic children to develop new abilities and skills. Apps can help with:
- Social Skills
- Co-ordination and fine motor skills
- Speech and communication
- Sensory skills
- Coping with stress
Some of the apps that are used in autism care are general applications that could be used in any educational setting, however there are other apps, such as Stories2Learn and AutismExpress, which are designed specifically to help autistic children to learn how to understand emotions, and how to communicate with other people.
The iPad is an expensive device, and not all families can afford one. Fortunately, the iPhone is far less expensive, and most educational apps will run on both devices.
Before the release of the iPad, options were limited. Some supported living organizations were able to make use of speech generating devices, or specialist computer software for education, but these tools were incredibly expensive, and lacked the portability and flexibility of a mobile device.
Handheld Learning is The Future
Each year, the Handheld Learning conference in London attracts over 1,000 attendees from around the world. These attendees are thought leaders in the worlds of technology and education, and they have used mobile devices and handheld gaming devices to great success in everything from improving the performance of primary school children in math tests, to making advances in the quality of life of children with special needs.
There are some pitfalls to the use of mobile technology. It’s important to remember that mobile devices can be used to access the Internet, and that if you’re going to leave that capability turned on then you’ll need to educate the children in your care about the dangers of the internet, and also their personal responsibilities – such as protecting their privacy, and not engaging in cyber bullying. Most children, even those who are on the autistic spectrum, will surprise you with their capacity to learn and work efficiently with technology, but they will need adult guidance to keep them safe.
This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Voyage, who offer a variety of supported living and autism care schemes.
If you have a child who is autistic, or if you’re in charge of autistic children, you’ll need all the help you can get to create an autism-friendly environment for these kids. Kids with autism have special needs and require special handling. Here are 12 ways how you can create the perfect environment for autistic children in your home or school.
1. Autistic Children Are More Sensitive To External Stimuli
Autistic children have more sensitive senses than non-autistic ones. They will respond negatively to loud noises and bright light. Sensory overload may not always trigger a meltdown in your autistic charges, but it can certainly set the stage for one. To avoid sensory overload, keep the lights soft, avoid noisy implements, speak softly, and don’t have more than a few children in a room. Allow the children to wear ear plugs if needed.
2. Don’t Ever Nag An Autistic Child
It takes a little longer for the autistic child to process information, move from one task to another, change routines and so on. Be patient. Make your request and walk away, allowing the child to comply in their own time. Don’t repeat instructions, and don’t argue or debate with a child, as you will risk overloading the child’s senses.
3. Reinforce Negative Punishment With Positive Punishment
Some autistic children can be very unruly and it is important to set limits for their behavior which will help them develop properly. Mete out negative punishments if needed, but also let them know that they’re good kids and that you’re proud of them.
4. Don’t Be Critical Of The Child’s Work
Correcting an autistic child’s behavior can be very crushing to the child, as he or she perceives it as rejection. Be careful; if you find that a child is doing something wrongly, do it the right way when he or she is watching, without directly correcting them. Don’t be hasty, critical or judgmental with an autistic child.
5. Never Force The Autistic Child To ‘Fit In’
Value the autistic child’s unique strengths and accommodate their weaknesses, but don’t force them to fit in to the accepted tenets of normal life. Would you force a person in a wheelchair to climb stairs? Autistic children have certain limitations and you must be respectful of those.
6. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Each autistic child is different, so you’ll have to adapt your environment to suit your particular child or children. The best way to do this will be to pay close attention to your particular child and notice signs of stress. Remove everything that triggers stress; it could be a red colored ball, or it could be the lights, or it could be sound, it could be anything specific to your child. Pay attention.
7. Set Up Autistic-Friendly Zones In Your House
Set up different zones in your home for different activities, such as the eating zone. Each zone, especially the eating zone, must be free of distraction, clutter and unnecessary noise. Autistic children cannot take in too many things at a time so if the meal table has anything on it other than a plate, a spoon and a fork, they can refuse to eat or throw a tantrum.
8. Set Up A Quiet Time-Out Zone
A small nook in a corner of your home that’s quiet, cozy and private should be assigned as your autistic child’s ‘quiet zone’. Here is where the child can recharge his or her batteries and recover from tantrums. You can keep a few pillows or toys here, depending on your child’s color tolerance, but avoid anything loud.
9. Provide A Visual Activity Schedule
It’s difficult for autistic children to connect events as you describe them verbally. Use pictures instead; a picture of your car with the two of you, and then one of the cleaners, the grocers and the bank will explain the day’s schedule. Do the same for play schedule – first the bubbles, then the ball game and then the frisbee, and then a picture of mealtime, to indicate playtime is over.
10. Use Pictures As Reminders
If you want your autistic child to remember to bring back all the contents of their backpacks, be sure to put a laminated picture-list of backpack objects in their pocket, instead of a written list.
11. Use Baskets To Help You Coordinate
If you want your child to pack his backpack, or play a game alone, put all the relevant things into a basket. Don’t let the things be lying around, mixing with the background.
12. Use Timeout Cards
Verbalizing needs is a very difficult area for autistics. To help them with this, laminate picture cards indicating various activities. Each time the child wants to do something like take a bio break, he can pick up the card and show you, instead of trying to verbalize his need.
About the Author:
Alex Higgins is freelance writer for Self Hypnosis resource center where you can instantly download relaxation cds, subliminal messages programs, nlp courses and lot more.
AutismPro is hosting a webinar on strategies your school can implement to help children with Autism. It's on November 10th for an hour and 15 minutes. If you can't attend the webinar live, ask about gaining access to the recording for another time.
From the website: Autism-related challenges are growing exponentially, but there are ways to cope. Join the experts in this webinar to find out the key steps you must take right now to (a) help these students, (b) protect your assets, and (c) preserve your general curriculum.
Related Resources:
If you haven't yet signed up for one, Future Horizons has a free "14 Signs of Autism Poster," as well as a catalog.
LDhope.com is offering a free book and information packet called "Understanding Learning Disabilities." There is a special place to order if you are a classroom teacher or school staff member - scroll about halfway down until you see "Educators and Schools Click Here."
