Understanding Technology

Resources

Resources for both educators and families: (includes funding sources, information sources, service sources, etc.)

http://www.autismconsortium.org/resources-and-events/database

Research, grants, services, information for educators and families.

http://www.act-today.org/act-today-grant-program.php

Grant funding on a quarterly basis.

http://www.autismescapes.org/

A program that provides private jet flights for families and children with autism to receive medical care.

http://www.dcrf.com/

A program that provides AT for children with disabilities.

http://www.tacanow.org/about-taca/family-scholarship-program/

Help for families who need assistance with funding to get treatment for their child with autism.

http://www.generationrescue.org/

Grants for families in need of medical treatment for their child with autism. 

http://www.autsimspeaks.org

Information, research, funding sources, etc.

http://www.autism-society.org/

Information, research, funding sources, etc.

Umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Autism is an umbrella term for a wide spectrum of disorders referred to as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

There are five classifications: 

1 Autistic Disorder

2  Asperger Syndrome

3 Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)

4 Rett's Disorder

5 PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

The following descriptions of each of the five classifications of ASD were taken from http://www.special-learning.com/article/autism_classification

Autistic Disorder 

Autistic Disorder is commonly called “classic autism.” It is a neurological and developmental disorder that is typically seen during the first three years of life. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder normally manifest developmental delays in communication, social and behavior skills. They often display characteristics that set them apart from others such as the difficulty in engaging in social relationships and an obsession with behavior patterns. 

Asperger Syndrome

Asperger Syndrome is identified as the mildest of all disorders under the ASD umbrella, specifically because the symptoms present in this disorder are more manageable and individuals with Asperger’s usually have a better prognosis with the help of constant and proper therapies. People with Asperger Syndrome often do not have significant language delay compared to others in the spectrum. They have the urge to engage in social interactions but may lack the ability to appropriately initiate one. They also manifest a difficulty in motor coordination such as walking, running or anything that involves refined motor skills. 

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) 

CDD is disorder under spectrum that allows normal development until the age of 3 or 4. Then over the course of months children start to manifest a variety of problems such as language regression, motor and social skills. 

Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) 

This disorder under the ASD umbrella classifies individuals that exhibit some symptoms, but not all, that are associated with classic autism. Their symptoms are usually not enough to completely classify them under a specific disorder set by the experts. Some symptoms may be mild and some symptoms may be worse than others in the spectrum. 

Rett’s Syndrome 

Rett’s Syndrome is classified under the ASD umbrella and manifests symptoms such as loss of motor and communication skills after a period of normal development. Children affected by this disorder often lose their ability to speak even though they have normally used speech and language skills normally in the past. They often engage in stereotype hand movements such as wringing and clapping (NICHD, 2010). 

Autism Spectrum Disorders mean that no two individuals diagnosed with autism will manifest the same exact symptoms and have the same level of severity. Common autism symptoms such as communication, social and behavioral difficulties will be present in all types of autism but will differ in the manner and severity.

Click on the links below to learn more about the five classifications of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

http://autismsocietygreatertucson.org/dsm-iv-diagnostic-classification/

http://www.theautismproject.org/educational-info

AT: Low Tech Devices

Low Tech Devices: 
Low Tech devices are typically low in cost and very easy to use. These devices rarely require batteries and they are found in almost all classrooms.

Examples of Low Tech Devices: 

This is a video that shows writing options available with the use of low technology. 

 Daily Schedules- A daily visual schedule is a perfect example of a Low technological device. This can be helpful for all students in the classroom as well as students with Autism. Students with Autism tend to be very strict with their schedules and knowing what they are doing throughout the day. Using a daily schedule is a great way to help them transition to each activity.

Pencil Grips- Pencil grips can be great writing accessories for those student's who are having trouble holding a pencil. They offer various kinds, as pictures above, to help suite each individual need.





Manipulatives-  Manipulatives can be an encouraging way to getting your student with Autism to enjoy learning.  Math is the most common place to incorporate teaching with manipulatives because it is easy to sort and count with physical objects rather then using pictures.

Assistive Technology

Example of student who is Autistic, using Assistive Technology. The cost of technology varies, it can be anywhere from a few dollars to thousands of dollars.

Everyone with Autism is different.

Everyone with autism is different.

Children with autism are different in their patterns of strengths and difficulties, but they share some common characteristics:
*Difficulties with social interactions.
*Communication Deficits.
*Restricted interests and behaviors.

Visit the following websites to learn more about common characteristics of children with ASDs.

http://www.pbs.org/parents/inclusivecommunities/autism2.html

http://www.nationalautismresources.com/common-signs-of-autism.html

AT: High Tech devices

High Tech

The term "high" tech refers to the technological devices that are often more expensive and more elaborate. These devices typically need a rechargeable power source. Student's with autism for example would use high tech devices such as augmentative communication devices, computer software programs, text to speech programs and, computers in general. 

Some examples of high tech devices are: 

 Dynavox Maestro- This is a portable device that is about the size of a tablet. This device helps a person who can no verbally communicate create sentences and converse with others. This is a touch screen device that also uses text to speech. Dynavox as a company offers many different kinds of communication devices that you can purchase based on your individual needs. 

Ipads, Iphone, Computers & Tablets- These are all examples of high tech devices. Computer software programs and applications designed to help children with Autism can all be purchased and/or downloaded onto these items. The Autism Speaks website offers links to multiple educational and leisure activities for Autism. Below is the link to the website. 

Autism Speaks- Online Learning Activities  

Augmentative Communication Devices-  The above devices are examples of Augmentative communication devices. Augmentative communication is any item that is used to increase or improve someones ability to communicate. The devices pictured above are all coordinated with, "Go Talk". These are some of the many popular augmentative communication devices. All of these devices allow a person to communicate with just the push of a button.