Using assistive technology for autism behaviors doesn’t have to be expensive, and many of the products that work well for children continue to function effectively for the adult population. Organization, self help, social interaction and academic skills are a few of the areas where the right assistive technology can make a big difference in the life of someone with an autism spectrum disorder.

Take university student A. M. Baggs, whose autism causes both constant and intermittent difficulties with speech. Baggs says that for her, speech is often “painful, difficult and draining.” She uses a keyboard at times and resents it when “autism experts” suggest she should or could reduce her dependence on the device. She says that the only time she’s been unhappy about her speech is when she lacks assistive technology options for communication, and that the use of those options should be encouraged, rather than discouraged.

What is Assistive Technology?
Many people think “technology” automatically refers to something with electronic components and a high price tag, but that is far from the truth. While computers certainly are part of the mix, assistive technology can include any item or product system (flash cards, for example) that is used to maintain or increase functional capabilities.

Visual Cues
Visual information is usually easier to process than auditory input among people with autism. For that reason, many assistive products aimed toward the condition take advantage of strong visual processing capabilities.

Low Level Assistive Technology for Autism
A simple dry erase board with a daily, weekly and/or monthly schedule can help with everything from remembering appointments to sequencing activities. Alternative ways to present schedule information can include a binder, clipboard or file folder.

If written words are difficult, especially for children, try black and white line drawings such as those in Mayer-Johnson’s Boardmaker, photographs or object symbols (such as a ball for playtime). These can be placed in sequential order to help the person with autism go through the steps needed to independently complete a task or go through a day. Individual tasks can be further broken down as needed, and “all done” envelope placed at the end of the sequence to indicate a task has been accomplished.

The international “No” symbol, a red circle with a line through it, is understood by most children with autism to represent the abstract concept of the absence of a thing, activity or idea. It is useful with behavior management, indicating that something isn’t available, or that an expected, recurring activity won’t take place.

Medium Technology
Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAS) place visual representation systems on voice output devices. Most of these are simple to operate and relatively inexpensive, running on batteries or electricity and producing excellent sound quality. Two to look at are Pathfinder Plus and Polyana.

Don’t overlook the value of a basic tape recorder. Adults and may find that it’s helpful for a range of language and task completion skills. Assistive technology for autism can include the useful practice of audio taping to make someone aware of inappropriate behavior. And need we say that just about any cell phone has a range of calling, texting and calendar capabilities to help organize and communicate?

Children may find that language comprehension skills are easier with the new generation of Language Master. The classic device gives spoken directions. A set of picture cards that comes with the machine can be run through it by the child, prompting the device to repeat some or all of the directions.

High Technology
Video taping is often highly successful among people with autism for teaching language and social skills. Children appreciate the predictable outcome, often watching the same video repetitively. Videos can be made of tasks, such as setting the table, or to increase vocabulary by naming objects or actions.

Videos can be invaluable in the social arena, with opportunities to demonstrate both acceptable and unacceptable behavior. “Best practices” for social interactions can be modeled, such as smiling and saying hello to classmates. Tone of voice, body language, personal space, facial expressions and vocal volume can be observed and discussed.

Research shows that the use of computers increases attention and decreases agitation in students with autism. Assistive technology for autism hardware options abound to ease the way for accessing a computer.

Assistive Technology for Autism  Hardware
Touch screens allow your child to navigate the screen by replacing the traditional mouse with a finger on the computer screen. This can be helpful for children who have a hard time grasping the relationship between their movement of the mouse with what is happening on the screen. A good one to try is Touch Window, which attaches directly to the monitor.

Trackballs can also substitute for a traditional mouse. The stationary balls come in different shapes and sizes, and can be operated with a finger or hand. IntelliKeys is an alternative keyboard that uses standard overlays to assist people with visual, physical or cognitive difficulties in using a traditional keyboard.

Assistive Technology for Autism Software
Many software programs can provide basic images or photos. One to try is Picture This, which has thousands of clear, simple images to assist with communication. Other alternatives are aimed at a variety of skill enhancement, including everything from problem solving to fine motor to leisure activities.  Assistive technology for autism is highly varied, but there is something out there for anyone on the autism spectrum.  Good luck!

This article includes information in a paper written by Susan Stokes under a contract with CESA 7 and funded by a discretionary grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, and an editorial in the Autism Information Library.