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Technology to support autistic children
Assistive technology (AT) can make a big difference for many children on the autism spectrum, helping them communicate, learn, and complete daily activities.
There are several different types of assistive technology that can improve the safety, wellbeing, independence and quality of life of an autistic individual. Learn more about AT and its benefits, how to teach an autistic child to use AT and where you can seek additional support.
Understanding assistive technology
Assistive Technology (AT) for autistic individuals refers to a wide range of tools designed to help users complete daily living tasks and increase their independence. For some, AT can improve their existing skills; for others, it provides them with new skills and abilities they wouldn’t have otherwise (e.g., communication).
Assistive technology for autism can be broadly classified into three categories based on the complexity of the technology involved and the task it assists with:
These tools do not require electricity; instead, they focus on manual functions that support sensory regulation or communication. Common examples include:
- Weighted vests and sensory balls that help manage physical and auditory sensory issues.
- Picture boards that assist with basic communication by allowing users to express needs and thoughts through simple images.
These devices usually require some form of power but are generally straightforward and user-friendly. They often serve as aids in learning and communication. Examples include:
- Battery-operated sensory toys that provide sensory stimulation to help manage sensory sensitivities.
- Visual timers and social skills training videos that help users understand social cues and manage time.
This group includes sophisticated digital devices and software that support complex communication and learning needs. They are particularly beneficial in:
- Augmentative communication devices for individuals who are non-verbal, enabling them to communicate through apps with text or symbols.
- Educational software and apps support reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Robots designed to encourage social interaction skills.
Benefits of assistive technology
The adoption of AT can transform the daily life of people with autism:
- Improved communication: For non-verbal individuals or those who may struggle to communicate verbally at times, AT provides an accessible tool for communication, improving safety, independence and connections with others.
- Enhanced learning: Educational technologies tailored for autistic individuals can cater to individual learning styles and paces, making education more effective and engaging.
- Social skills development: People with autism can practice and improve their social skills by using interactive games and social robotics.
- Sensory management: Sensory-specific devices help individuals manage sensory sensitivities, which are common among those on the autism spectrum.
- Daily living skills: Technologies that assist with everyday tasks—such as managing schedules, reminders for daily chores, and tools for personal care—promote independence and confidence.
Communication
For many autistic individuals, especially those who are non-verbal or minimally verbal, communication can be a challenge. AT can address these challenges with tools ranging from simple picture cards to advanced speech-generating devices.
Low-tech options, such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), offer easy-to-use tools for expressing needs and thoughts. These systems are cost-effective and can be used for education and in therapy.
Mid-tech solutions include specialised apps like Proloquo2Go and TouchChat HD. These apps are user-friendly and can be adapted to different languages and personal needs, making them excellent tools for communication.
High-tech solutions involve more advanced technologies, including software that allows users to use complex sentence structures and communicate in various social settings. These tools are particularly beneficial for those needing extensive support in both personal expression and understanding others.
Here are some tips for supporting autistic children and teenagers to develop communication skills through AT:
- Choose applications with lots of visuals and where photos and categories can be customised. This will help the user connect words to images and make understanding and using the app more engaging.
- Help the user learn how the device works through clear and simple instructions and demonstrations. For example, if the child or teenager wants to eat an apple, use the device to select a picture of an apple, pronounce the word ‘apple’ aloud, and then give them the item, reinforcing the connection between the picture and the object.
- In the early days, limit the number of choices available to the child or teenager on their device to avoid overwhelming them. As they become more comfortable using it, you can begin to add more images or more complex words.
- Reward any attempt by a child or teenager to engage with the device or repeat words they hear from their device. This positive reinforcement encourages them to continue using the device or try to use it more independently.
If your child works with a speech pathologist, work closely with them to build your child’s understanding of and confidence in their AT.
Learning
Autistic people often face unique learning challenges, such as difficulties with executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, and processing information. AT can play a transformative role in addressing these challenges and helping autistic people learn valuable skills. Low-tech aids like visual schedules and colour-coded planners help individuals with organisation and time management, while mid-tech options, including electronic timers and specialised watches, can support transitions.
Technology can also support academic learning. Apps for reading, writing, or maths, for example, make learning much more engaging. High-tech solutions like tablets and specialised software can adapt academic material to suit an individual’s learning needs and can assist with visual learning.
Sensory sensitivities are common among autistic individuals. Various AT options, including noise-cancelling headphones and weighted vests, help manage these sensitivities, creating a more comfortable learning environment.
Social skill development
Developing social skills can be a challenge for many on the autism spectrum. AT offers various tools to assist with this, from simple social stories and skills cards to advanced interactive apps and even social robots.
Video modelling and interactive apps offer dynamic ways of learning social cues and practising communication. These tools provide safe environments for users to experiment with and learn from different social situations. Social stories and cards can also prepare individuals for social interactions by clearly and concisely explaining appropriate social behaviour in different settings.
Artificial intelligence and robotics support social skills development as part of high-tech solutions. These technologies offer interactive experiences that can mimic real-life social interactions, providing feedback and the ability to practise without the stress of real-world consequences.
Safety
Safety is a big concern for many on the autism spectrum, especially for individuals who might have tendencies to abscond. Wearable devices such as ID bracelets and tags can help families, law enforcement, and members of the community find people who have absconded and provide information about who the person is and what their needs are.
Choosing and implementing assistive technology
Choosing AT should be guided by a child’s needs, preferences and environment. Following these steps can help you choose the right AT and implement it successfully in your child’s life:
- Ask your child’s therapy team, particularly occupational therapists, speech pathologists or special educators, to provide input into useful types of AT.
- Keep the device in the same place in your home or the child’s classroom so they know where to access it.
- Customise the AT device to suit your child’s specific needs. In the early days, this might include removing games or non-essential apps to limit distractions.
- Teach family members and educators how to use the device to assist your child if they require help.
- Check in regularly with your child, their educators and their therapy team to see how the device can be adapted to continue meeting your child’s needs.
As technology advances, new and improved devices may become available. Keep an eye on what’s out there to ensure your child isn’t missing out on a device that could work better than what they have currently.