The Uses of Technology in Treating Autism Maria Papageorgiou-Porter, M.S.,CCC-SLP Melissa Hennessy, OTR/L Joanna Ingham, M.S. Ed. Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus Kennedy Krieger Institute

Agenda Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus (KKS: MCC) Brief Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) overview Definitions of legal terms Using technology in the school and community Questions

Kennedy Krieger Schools Philosophy The Kennedy Krieger School is a nationally recognized "Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.” Focus on specialized, individualized instruction. Emphasis on a collaborative approach amongst highly trained professionals specializing in ASD.

Kennedy Krieger Schools Kennedy Krieger School: Montgomery County Campus Our newest program, opened in August, 2007 to support students with ASD.

KKS:MCC “Best Practice” The instructional program follows the Voluntary State Curriculum, Content Standards and County Life Skills Curriculum. All students take the Maryland State Assessment or Alternative Assessment. Vocational training Community Based Instruction Positive Behavioral support system

KKS: MCC “Best Practice Methods” TEACCH Applied Behavior Analysis discrete trial incidental learning Pivotal Response Treatment

KKS:MCC “Best Practice” program-based related services augmented communication picture exchange communication sensory diets use of assistive technology

What is ASD? The ASDs affect an estimated 1 in 150 births (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2005). Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) (also referred to as PDDs) are brain-based developmental disabilities that affect a child’s ability to communicate, understand language, play and relate to others. Diagnostic criteria as outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in its Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

ASD: Characteristics It is imperative to note, children with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger syndrome vary widely in abilities, intellectual functioning, and behaviors/interests. Therefore, it is important to focus on the individual child's behavioral and learning profile when making intervention decisions and recommendations. Autism Asperger’s Syndrome PDD-NOS

Technology Overview Use of technology is integrated through the school day as part of “best practice.” Technology can be low, mid or high level. Some technology may be student specific and listed on the IEP and is then legally mandated to be provided by the school system.

Classroom technology Promethean Board –- Activboard –Interactive whiteboard- Activboard –Activpen – enables the students to manipulate the computer screen and lessons at the board –Activvote – enables the students to vote on multiple choice questions from the group table –Activslate - enables the students to manipulate the computer screen and lessons from the group table

Classroom technology Classroom Software – to teach academic, funcitonal, social, community, and behavior skills –Boardmaker –Writing with Symbols –LinguiSytems –No Glamour –Model Me Kids

Technology: Legal Definitions Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) refers "to an area of research, clinical, and educational practice. AAC involves attempts to study and when necessary compensate for temporary or permanent impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions of individuals with severe disorders of speech-language production and/or comprehension, including spoken and written modes of communication" (ASHA, 2005). Individuals with severe communication disorders and for whom gestural, speech, and/or written communication is temporarily or permanently inadequate to meet all of their communication needs use AAC.

Technology: Legal Definitions Assistive Technology Device -The term `assistive technology device' means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of a child with a disability. -The term does not include a medical device that is surgically implanted, or the replacement of such device. Assistive Technology Service Any service that directly assists a child with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. -IDEA 2004

Technology When specific technology is being assessed use a team approach. SLP, AT specialist, special educator, OT, social worker, behavior specialist, LSS and the students family all work together.

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Children are sometimes forced to use their more complicated formal AAC systems even when a simple approach is sufficiently intelligible and substantially faster and easier.

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Low Tech / Manual Communication –Any communication system that does not require a power source. Flip N Talk Print N Communicate Communication Binder/Wallet PECS Sign Language

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Static Display Voice Output –Fixed set of symbols or words –May have levels –Overlays may be printed on paper or other material –Overlays are physically changed by the user or an assistant when a different display is required TechSpeakGoTalkDynavox

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Light Tech –Any communication system that requires a source of power and is very easy to program. BIGmackLITTLEmack Step-by-Step Communicator

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Device Vocabulary Symbol based Text based Symbol and text based Word-basedPhrase-based Combination of phrase and word based Core vs. Content Vocabulary Vocabulary software UnityWordPowerGateway

Technology: Speech Language Pathologist Fine motor –Symbols size –Keyguard Vision –Font size –Symbol size

Technology: Occupational Therapist Occupational Therapy focus is on promoting independence. Sensory Integration Visual Processing Motor Skills and Praxis Attention, Organization and Task Completion

Technology: Occupational Therapist Sensory Integration needs impact the ability to attain and sustain attention on academic tasks. May be included in the IEP document.

Technology: Occupational Therapist Sensory Diets Low Tech High Tech

Technology: Occupational Therapist Technology to support the visual and motor skills needed for writing. Low tech High tech

Technology: Occupational Therapist Technology to support the writing process. - Graphic organizers - Text to Speech Software - Word prediction software - Changing Accessibility options on Microsoft Word

Questions? Thank you for your time! Contact Information: Maria Papageorgiou-Porter Sr. Speech Language Pathologist and Related Services Coordinator (443)