Website: www.angelfire.com/magic2/kbrebner Technology and Autism Kelly-Lynne Brebner Website: www.angelfire.com/magic2/kbrebner Email: BREBNER5@aol.com

Introduction Kelly-Lynne Brebner BA/Psychology Click here for my introduction to this presentation.

Definition of Autism According to www.autism-society.org Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities.

The Autistic Spectrum: 1) Autism 2) Rett’s Disorder 3) Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDDNOS) 4) Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, 5) Asperger’s Disorder

How is technology helping Autistic Children 1) Developing overall understanding of their environment; 2) Expressive communication skills; 3) Social interaction skills; 4) Attention skills; 5) Motivation skills; 6) Organization skills; 7) Academic skills; 8) Self help skills; 9) Overall independent daily functioning skills.

What is Assistive Technology? According to, http://www.cesa7.k12.wi.us/sped/autism/assist/asst10.htm, assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or product system, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

Types of Assistive Technology that are Useful Speech models Computer programs Non-verbal communication devices

Some Advantages of computers for those with Autism are: Computers are predictable and, therefore, controllable They enable errors to be made safely They offer a highly perfectible medium And they give possibilities of non-verbal or verbal expression.

Current Research on Autism and Computers Research which was completed in the fall of 1997, by Patricia Hutinger and Robert Rippey goes on to explain how computers were able to establish effective communication skills in five preschool children. http://scott.mprojects.wiu.edu/~eccts/articles/autism1.html

Current Research on Virtual Reality and Autism According to http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=303&a=3276, the virtual reality environment is a 'safe' medium in which people can be exposed gradually to their fears, so that their next encounter with the situation in the real world is less traumatic.

Advantages of Virtual Reality for the Autistic Individual VR uses sight and sound more than touch: auditory and visual stimuli have been found to be most effective in teaching abstract concepts to people with autism. In the virtual environment, input stimuli can be modified to a tolerable level The environment can be altered gradually to teach generalization and cross-recognition. Above all, VR offers a safe learning environment in which the individual may make mistakes which might be physically or socially hazardous in the real world.

Please visit the Autism Society of America Website for current research www.autism-society.org

Conclusion Autism is a very complex disorder that affects numerous individuals. Technology seems to be helping those with Autism communicate and function more independently. For more information please visit my website www.angelfire.com/magic2/kbrebner Click here for my Research Paper