Autism and Technology - Bryan Boyle

Doha Parents Conference 2014

Autism and Technology

Autism does exist on a spectrum, and there

are so many manifestations of it, so many

kinds of expressions of it. And every case is

particular.

Claire Danes

Technology & Autism: An Overview of Current Research

• How iPads have changed approached to

technology intervention in ASD.

• Using technology to promote early interaction and

stimulation skills

• Communication: the iPad as a Communication Tool

• Learning using Computers: TeachTown

Technology & Autism: An Overview of Current Research

• Language Development and Technology:

Research in Animated Language Learning.

• Taking advantage of new innovations: Research

in Gesture and Movement

• New innovations in Robotics

• Final Remarks.

Has the iPad Changed Everything?

The iPad Revolution

• Why Does the iPad “Work”?

• What’s So Important about APPS?

• What exactly does the iPad offer?

• Dangers and Risks, are there any?

The iPad Revolution

• Why Do iPads work where Computers Don’t?

– Impaired Visual Perceptual Skills (Grynspan 2002)

– Cognitive Demands (LiTsang 2007)

– Computers that are designed with a different

audience in mind (Nicolle & Abascal 2005)

– “Attention Tunnel” (Murray et al 2009)

The iPad Revolution

• Criticism of Technology Use

– Reinforces Stereotypical Behaviors (Bernard-Optiz

1990)

– Encourages withdrawal from the Social World

(Moore 1998)

– Used as a reinforcement for learning, has no

intrinsic learning potential (Powell 1996)

The iPad as a Communication Tool

Apps for Symbol Based Communication

• Proloquo2go

• MyChoice Boards

• iCommunicate

• Tap To Talk

Apps for Symbol Based Communication

• iComm– Uses pre-recorded messages

• iAssist Communicator– Uses pre-recorded messages

• Speaking Images– Synthetic Speech

• Voice4U– Recorded messages

More Specialized Communication Apps

• Small Talk Aphasia

• Smarty Ears

• Speech Trainer 3D

• Smart Oral Motor

More Specialized Communication Apps

• ArticPix– For articulation development

• Sunny Articulation

• Articulate It!

Apps Design with Autism in Mind

• iMean• Model Me Kids

– Social Skills Training• iConverse

– Based on PECS• GRACE• Autism Express

– Awareness • Stories to Learn

– Social Stories– Look2Learn

Apps for Early Literacy Development

• Word Magic• ABC Sight Words• ACT Spell– Based on Accessible Curriculum Tools

• Phonics Made Easy• iTouchiLearn – Words

Using Computers for Learning

Computers for LearningTeachTown

Computers for LearningTeachTown

Computers for LearningTeachTown

Computers for LearningTeachTown

Computers for Learning

• Other Research Resources:– Behavior Modelling (Delano et al 2007)– Social Skills Training (Bernard-Optiz 2001/2008)– Vocabulary Development (Barker 2001, Yamamoto

and Miya 1999)– Reading Development (Heiman et al 1999,

Coleman and Martin 2010)– Specific Curriculum Support (Grieve 2011)

New Research in Language Learning

Multimedia Language Learning

• Mediating Task Engagement (Ramdoss 2011,

Pennington 2009)

• Promoting Visual Learning (Dubois & Vial 2009)

• Supporting Learning with Auditory Support

(Bosseler & Massaro 2012)

• Opportunities for “Language Neutral” Activities

Animated Language Learning

Animated Language Learning

For More Information see:www.animatedlanguagelearning.com/www.animatedlanguagelearning.com/ Valerie Herskowitz, Autism and Computers (2013)

New Innovations: Gesture

Utilizing Movement & Gesture

The Cospatial Project

Utilizing Movement & Gesture

VisiKord using Kinect

Utilizing Movement & Gesture

Somantics: Gesture Platform

Utilizing Movement & Gesture

Using Eye Gaze Technology

Using Movement and Gesture

Passive MultiSensory Environments

Using Movement and Gesture

Active Multiply Engaged Environments

Autism does exist on a spectrum, and there are so many manifestations of it, so many kinds of expressions of it. And every case is particular.

Claire Danes

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/autism.html#SlexU7tyicOMCMjM.99

Robotics & Autism

John-John Cabibihan, Ph.D., Qatar University

Final Remarks

“ If they cant learn the way we teach, then

we must teach the way they learn”

Dr. O. Ivar Lovass

Final Remarks

• Innovation should be in the hands of Parents.

• New Technology will offer new opportunities

• Teachers, Therapists and Professionals need to

keep pace.

• Technology will provide opportunities for new

approached to intervention for ASD