Assistive/ Adaptive Technology in the Classroom

Assistive and/or Adaptive technology is described as “products, devices or equipment, whether acquired commercially, modified or customized, that are used to maintain, increase or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities".     These devices can be used with children who are sight impaired, hearing impaired, or suffer from other forms of disability. The following examples are assistive and/or adaptive technology that can be used for kids that suffer from autism. Autism is defined as a mental condition, present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.

    The first example of these technologies would be visual representation systems. Visual representation systems are useful to children who suffer from autism since it provides them with an idea of what they will be doing throughout the day, or by teaching them skills. Traditionally these systems would be items such as photographs, realistic drawings, line drawings, and written words; however, the visual representation can also come from cell phones, iPads, and computers. This type of technological visual representation can provide the child with the same content while being more convenient for the teacher and/or parent, this convenience is mostly noted during travel, transportation to school, therapy, etc.  An example of Visual representation systems that I would use in the classroom would be while teaching a math lesson one can present a three-dimensional shape on a projector in order to explain volume or area. Another example of Visual representation systems would be before a student is transported from home to school or from school to home they can be shown a picture representation of where they will be going.

     Another example of an adaptive and/or assistive technologies that can be used is Language Acquisition through Motor Planning (LAMP). This technology is a therapeutic approach which aims to give individuals who are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities a form of independent and natural way of expressing themselves. This technology can be helpful not only in an autistic child’s everyday life but also in the classroom. Language Acquisition through Motor Planning allows the child to actively participate in the classroom just like any other non-autistic child could. An example of this would be during a review class period while asking the class questions on a concept the child could easily raise their hand and respond if they would like. On the web page for The Center for AAC and Autism it was stated that “It was often noted that as communication skills improved, social engagement increased, problematic behaviors declined, and some individuals exhibited increased verbal speech”. LAMP is a fantastic way of using technology to provide an autistic child the ability to advance their social and verbal skills.   

Reference:

Assistive Technology for Children with Autism - CESA 7. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2016, from http://www.cesa7.org/sped/autism/assist/asst10.htm

What is LAMP? - The Center for AAC and Autism. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2016, from http://www.aacandautism.com/lamp

What Is Autism? | | Autism Speaks. (n.d.). Retrieved October 19, 2016, from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism