According to Butcher’s Abnormal Psychology 14th edition
Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs) consists of several conditions which
presents at birth to early childhood that cause deficits in cognitive
development. Autism is one of the disorders defined within the PDDs spectrum. Children
with Autism have deficits in communication that varies from delay speech
development, limited speech, or no verbal ability; they lack social development describe as “aloof”. In addition, children may have repetitive behavior such as
hand movements and sensory sensitivity to noise, light, or sounds (546-549). These
deficits cause individuals with Autism to struggle to communicate and
navigate their environment. Assistive technology offers individuals with Autism
the ability to communicate and engage their environment. Apple and Dynavoxtech
have excellent devices that allow individuals with Autism to communicate.
Apple’s Ipad has been adapted
to assist individual with Autism to communicate. The Ipad is small, lightweight
and compact, which makes it easy to carry around. This link offers parents
advice for using the Ipad as a learning tool http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozfHegFnfo4.
For example, parents can adjust the setting to block access to the Internet.
Applications are being created specifically for the Ipad’s users with Autism. For
example, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) was developed in 1985 now
has an application for the Ipad. Another application that was created
specifically for individuals with Autism is Autismate http://www.autismate.com/. Both of the
applications are available at the Apple Store with many other education applications;
some of the existing educational applications can be modified for individuals with Autism.
Dynavoxtech’s Masetro
is a device that allows individual with Autism the ability to communicate.
This company offers a range of communication devices that assist individuals
with disabilities. The Masetro is small,
lightweight, and compact like the Ipad; both devices are easy to carry http://www.dynavoxtech.com/products/maestro/. Masetro
is designed for high functioning individuals unlike the Ipad which can be used
by low or high functioning individuals with Autism; this due to the variety of
applications offered by the Ipad. However, Dynavoxtech offers a variety of
devices for all levels of functioning. Both of these companies have devices
that help individuals with Autism communicate.
The number of children
with Autism has drastically increased over the last 10 to 20 years. According
to the CDC 1 in 88 children is affect by Autism. Technology is needed for
these diverse learners to engage their community. The future developments in assistive
technologies have no limits with so many innovative companies like Apple and Dynavoxtech.
I hope to see a devices that help with their social development.
References
Butcher, J. N., Mineka,
S., & Hooley, J. M. (2010). Abnormal Psychology. (14th Ed.). Boston:
Pearson Education, Inc.
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