21st Century Technology That Can Help Children with Aspergers…
This week’s blog post looks at the following question about technology:
What specific technology is available to help the Asperger’s child in school (especially one with gross/fine motor issues)?
Like most children, those with Asperger’s Syndrome have a strong interest in computers and video technology. As a result, both computers and video recording should be integrated into the academic curriculum for a child with Asperger’s Syndrome. The technology of computers and video recording will provide an Asperger’s child with a consistent form of learning, as well as being entertaining.
Computers
Computers now have hardware that can be adapted to the needs of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome. These devices will help the child focus on computer-generated tasks, and they increase a child’s motor skills.
Computers with touch windows give the child the ability to navigate through a program with ease. In addition, the child can interact with a program without having to rely on a computer mouse. A touch screen decreases the hardware required to operate the computer, and the child can directly relate his or her actions to the action shown on the computer screen.
The standard computer keyboard can be replaced by an alternative keyboard known as Big Keys. This is a keyboard that has been designed for younger children, and each key is one-inch square. In addition, the letters are colour coded to assist the child in finding a specific letter. For example, vowels and consonants are colour coded separately. The Big Keys keyboard is produced by Greystone Digital, and their website can be accessed at www.bigkeys.com
Video Technology
A child with Asperger’s Syndrome will enjoy video technology due to the repetitive nature and predictability of video recording. Repeated viewing of a video results in learning a variety of skills and knowledge.
Video technology can teach writing skills (letters, words, sentences) as well as language comprehension skills (syntax, object names, shapes, sizes). Also, task-oriented behaviour, such as closing a door or making a bed, can be taught with a step-by-step video demonstration.
It is important to note that the technology found in computers and video recording need to be tailored to a child with Asperger’s Syndrome. Some of the basic concepts of the computer, such as typing and disc storage, might need to be slowly and patiently explained and demonstrated. In addition, a video camera needs to be focused and adjusted before use. A child with Asperger’s will want to push buttons or turn lenses at random. Video recording needs to be taught very slowly so that the child acquires knowledge and mastery over the tasks and doesn’t experience frustration.
An Asperger’s child is an individual and any learning experience must be individualized to meet the child’s needs. Using computer and video technology will contribute to independent functioning and decrease the child’s reliance on other people to complete a learning task. Above all, when teaching any child a step-by-step process, the adult must be patient with the child’s learning process and also be willing to explain the mistakes that a child might make while mastering a learning task.
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My son is 5 & has ASD & he loves computers. Videos don’t hardly keep his attention long enough, but computers & anything with buttons to push… he loves. Thank you for the tip because we need to work on motor skill improvement. This is a fun way for him that will ask to do! Thanks again!
Comment by Melanie — May 27, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
my 7yr old son just got diagnosed with aspegers autism, and i believe truly that my 19yr old son was misdiagnosed all these years and i belive he had autism too, but i think the doctors simply didnt know enough to properly diagnose him so i have taken my older son in to have him checked again now too plus i think my 9yr old may have some mild forms of it, i truly believe it totally runs on my side of the family, and i have to say all my sons love computers they are totally fasinated with them, yet my 7 and 19y old are obsessed with computers, my 19yr old doesnt want to do anything but sit in front of his computer all day and night he lives in a home for other disabled adults as he cant get a job or function on his own, so i think he was very much misdiagnosed all these years, all my children are light sensitive and sensitive to hugging and they are taste and smell sensitive all the time. well i am glad my youngest son got the proper diasnoses they said he had the tourettes syndrome and the OCD but i believe when i got the autism diagnose i believe it is that more than anything and so do his teachers.
Comment by angela castellani — May 27, 2008 @ 6:07 pm
Amen,my son is also aspergers and was diagnosed 6 yrs ago.He is awesome on computers and videos,but has no patience when it comes to some things or something that presents a challenge.Reckon why?
Comment by suzi — May 27, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
My son is almost 11 and I’ve noticed he has trouble with fine motor skills. His hands operate like mittens. He uses his thumbs and forefingers, but the rest of fingers just follow the forefingers (sounds confusing). He has trouble with small buttons, and eating is very messy because he CANNOT just use two fingers and keep the rest clean. Is there something to ‘train’ his fingers to be independent? Maybe piano lessons? Or should I just accept that he has ‘mittens’.
Comment by Carolin — May 27, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
Wow. That last comment from Carolin was like reading about my son. I always wondered why he got SO messy while eating. He’s 6 and he’s worse than my 3 year old. I’ve tried teaching him different strategies but it just doesn’t seem to work. Any suggestions?
Comment by Jessica — May 27, 2008 @ 9:25 pm
Some Aspergers enjoy playing instuments. That also helps fine motor skills. (I ain’t no parent, but I sure am an Aspie.)
Electronic keyboards (pianos) are especially interesting.(I figured out a complex keyboard in five minutes, other people took several days.)
Comment by AM — May 27, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
always looking forward to a few quit minutes to read your postings.. informative, helpful, free.
and some great links…
thanks for all you do from one appreciative mom in n.c. whose son is not yet diagnosed…
Comment by christl — May 27, 2008 @ 11:31 pm
my son is awaiting diagnosis,it is thought he has aspergers,adhd & tourettes,although a very clever child & loving with it,he has terrible tantrums,finds it hard to dress,get on with other children,they all think of him as odd,he has had tests done where they cannot measure his IQ as the results were inconsistent,i dont know of anyone else whose chils has these problems,the school are not of much help as i have had remarks such as hes lazy,shy,underconfident,attention seeking,it took me to get a referral from the doctor when he got worse as time went on,at the moment i do feel very alone in the problems i have with my son,reading things like i have just read make me feel better knowing there are people who are going through the same thing
Comment by valerie pockett — May 28, 2008 @ 8:58 am
My son (12) was diagnosed with Asp. 2 yrs ago. He has a mild form–only some traits: he likes computer mostly for looking at maps (loves maps)and dogs, has OCD (handwriting), still can have meltdowns when things aren’t going his way, can be very oppositional (almost always a power struggle), difficulty w/ making eye contact, had some sensory integration but not so much anymore. Has a couple of “friends” but wishes he had more. He was in a social group for kids w/ asp/aut spec. but noticed how different they were (there were a few extremes) and he doesn’t want to be identified w/ that. He wants to be “cool” and dresses in hip-hop w/ the baggy pants. Dave, thanks for all of the great information–it really helps to read others’ comments as well.
Comment by md — May 28, 2008 @ 9:18 am
My 10 year old with Asperger’s has fine motor skill problems also. Doctor suggested piano to help. He has won several awards playing against mainly high school students, but still cannot eat with a fork, or tie his shoe. So the piano is a great joy for him, but it did not help his fine motor skills.
Comment by Kimberly — May 28, 2008 @ 9:26 am
my daughter 11years old was recently diagnosed with aspergers. she has always moved both hands at the same time in the same movement. for example eating soup with her right hand, she is moving her left hand the same exact way. I have asked many drs and specialist but no answer. does any one know what this might be? Is it related to aspergers?
Comment by melanie — May 28, 2008 @ 11:06 am
17 yr old son Aspie was diagnosed when about 6 yrs old itih Aspergers about 6 yrs old. Has trouble tying knots/shoes, but can perform intricate gaming moves and shines on Guitar Hero video game. Although random/social conversation is not what he enjoys or excels at, he can talk with the best of the gamers, or go on about the details of movies, esp. CGI animation. He used learning CDs to prepare for each school year and has usually been an honor’s student. He built a “master schedule” in his head and his days are filled. Like any other signficant mind, I usually need to schedule routine events almost like appointments to do “with” him. I have heard criticisms that electronic pasttimes have a negative impact on development and are replacing physical contact events and talkative encounters. My son loves math workbooks, not baseball. As an aspie, talkative events are uncomfortable, confusing, and not positive. He loves his family and is a good-hearted person inside the wonderful enigma he is, and when he achieves in cooler, more predictable technology, he suddenly has glory stories to share with live people for the arenas he has conquered in. Although technology or any other non-love directed pasttime can be a hindrance to better developing people, for Aspies (the Geek Syndrome) it is the proving ground to excel in and have something to say when saying something has always been difficult. Aspies are like unique growing empires - don’t expect to automatically figure out what they might like based on what they just seemed to like; only they know that!
Comment by Marikay Griffin — May 28, 2008 @ 11:37 am
For Carolin and Jessica - review your flatware. Your kids may benefit from flatware with large (thick) shafts that support a larger fork or spoon. The larger shaft allows their hands to more firmly grip the eating utensils. You may have to test out some flatware at the stores (try plastic utensils, too). Also, be sure to cut up their food and have them slow down when eating.
Comment by Lise — May 28, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
I forgot to mention that my 12 year old aspie son holds his fork in his fist; he can’t seem to grasp it the correct way–it looks very awkward when he does but I have him practice. He cannot hold his pencil the correct way either. He now uses an Alphasmart and what a difference. We would have to write all of his homework for him but now we don’t need to.
Comment by md — May 28, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
Bless all you Aspie parents. You’re lucky that Asperger’s has come in to common knowledge and you have resources like this and community with one another. My son was diagnosed last year at age 26. I’m relieved to know why he has always longed for and not had friends, is so intelligent, gets on so well with adults, goes on so at length when talking, had an unusually high-pitched voice when a very young child, is SO wonderfully creative artistically and intellectually and spiritually. He’s graduated from art college now and fit in there better than he had anywhere prior. He’s fallen in - and out? - of love, is a good son, has hope and goals and success. Be sure your child’s teachers know about your child’s special needs. Did you see the kindergartner on the news today whose teacher had him “voted out” of his class by his classmates for his, probably autistic, behavior?
Comment by Margaret — May 28, 2008 @ 5:02 pm
I can totally relate to Marikay’s son who has trouble with tying knots and shoe laces. My 8 year old Aspie son “battles” older teenagers and wins on Guitar Hero, as well. I very much agree that gaming helps Aspie children have some sort of relate-ability in conversations with their peers. My son also loves Starwars and has started putting the complexly small Lego ships together all by himself. He sets a side some time each night to work on them since he thrives on his own master schedule, as well. It has helped his fine motor skills out tremendously!
Comment by Robyn — May 28, 2008 @ 8:27 pm
Jessica and Caroline- Have you tried gloves while eatting? Have you tried those rubber tips for the ends of the fingers they don’t want to get dirty? Maybe some therapy with textile touch and/or lotions would make them less sensitive gradually?
Comment by cathy whittington — May 29, 2008 @ 7:17 am