Autism

Autism is a learning disability that "characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior"(National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). Autism is a disorder that can limit an individual's abilities to socially interact with others, to the extreme where some individuals can not maintain eye contact, or even talk with others. Often times those who battle with autism are quite intelligent, they just struggle with communicating not only what they want, but what they cognitively understand. These struggles can greatly impact the lives of those with autism, their loved ones and the people around them. However recent developments in technology have opened the door of communication and to better the lives of those living with autism. With the development of iPad technology schools are able to use the devices to better improve communication with those who are living with autism. New apps on the iPad are enabling students to be able to communicate with teachers through apps that can express emotion. For example students can click on the emotions that they are feeling, pictures of what they want, and more. Not only does it increase communication, but it captures and keeps the attention of students attempting to learn, this can be used to more easily see progress in students. The Lighhtwriter SL40 is another device that is being used as an aid to those with autism. It is an easily transported keypad that looks similar to an old fashioned typewriter. As a user types, words are formed that can be read to help understand what the user wants to communicate. It would be excellent in cases where having a speaking device is not always ideal because it can be read rather than listened to. I foresee that the Assistive learning technology in the future will continue to progress in ways as seen with the iPad. With more and more apps being developed that can provide pictures to help vocalize what a person wants and more. Resources