Baskadia

Autism

FirespringInt (2024) describes autism as a disorder that shows up in a child’s life when he/she is within the first three years of their life. This disorder comes with developmental challenges in dissimilar forms along with changeable rigorousness.

This clearly means that each child faced with such a disorder is likely to endure their unique warning sign, difficulties and not to be completely negatively, their own strong points.

It is quite evident that learners who are autistic will experience anxiety in a classroom especially if they are sensitive to loud sounds and this may cause them to lose focus and not grasp concepts as their classmates would. Their ability to communicate with their classmates and even the teacher is also one of their weak areas (Zauderer, 2023). However, these learners can now be able to have an advantage in learning with great thanks to the assistance of technological advancements.

This blog post aims to edify readers of computer hardware and software that are readily available at the snap of the fingers which can assist autistic learners in a classroom (face-to-face) and online.

Computer Hardware that can assist autistic learners

Have you ever heard of these?

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Children who are autistic are usually affected by loud noises. Be it at home, in a market, at a mall and in a classroom, it is no different. Goally (2023)elaborates that the loud noises sometimes if not at all times can result in the child becoming overwhelmed and even anxious. In some cases, they may even lose their ability to focus on what a teacher may be saying. In severe cases, a child may even have a break down which can all be avoided by the use of a noise cancelling headphone.

According to Insider Tech(2019), noise cancelling headphones work by blocking out noises in environments that are producing loud noises and creating an almost silent atmosphere. As such, for autistic learners can utilize this computer hardware when given a task to complete, and the classroom environment becomes too noisy.

In an online class, the noise cancelling headphone will have almost the same effect especially if the home or hub atmosphere is noisy. We know our homes can become very noisy at times if we have visitors or maybe just an extended family. Therefore, if an autistic child is joining an online class, he/she will be assisted by this type of technology and will be focused on the teacher’s voice or whoever the instructor is.

Some popular examples of such headphones are; Bose QuietComfort Ulra Headphone, Sony WH-1000XM5, Sonas Ace, and any other that you may find at your disposal that does just the right job.

Touch Screen Tablets

Kids with autism tend to have a hard time communicating, however touch screen tablets is one of the easiest ways to help such a child with participating and expressing themselves.

Jack Sweetser (2023) teaches us that the touch screen actually aids in the development of their fine motor skills, since they’ll be doing a lot of tapping and swiping, however, these tablets can be programed with applications which will be discussed when we talk about software, but because of this availability, the fun games and applications can keep these learners focused and entertained.

Tablets are helpful for children with autism and their caretakers since they are both easily portable and accessible. Learning possibilities can be facilitated at home or on the road thanks to the lightweight construction and compact size that facilitate easy transportation. Tablets can be a reliable and comfortable instrument that gives autistic children a sense of routine and security. Furthermore, children with varying abilities may use tablets with ease and customize it to suit their requirements thanks to accessibility features like voice commands, configurable settings, and magnification choices.

To top it all off, tablets can be used in the classroom which is a face-to-face interaction with a teacher, or it can allow a child to have access to an online class.

Computer Software

In this blog, I will speak on two application software that has, currently, and in future, plays and will play a gigantic role in assisting autistic learners to learn.

Have you ever heard about TeachTown?

TeachTown is available on their website and also apps which are available at a price for schools which house learners with special needs.

What does it do?

TeachTown aims to measureably enhance students with disabilities' academic, behavioral, and adaptive functioning.

This online program caters for any age of learners, and the page can be customized to suit the learner. Course offered can be adjusted in terms of their level of difficulty, and this all depends on the pace of the learner. Therefore, the learner’s IEP goals are met.

In a classroom, TeachTown has the tab ‘Facilitator’s Selected’ option that can allow a teacher in a face-to-face environment to choose what lesson can be taught to a learner. As such the child stays on par with what is being taught to his/her colleagues.

At home, other options like ‘Generalized Lessons’ can be selected to teach a learner based on their previous progress. What is amazing is that assessments are also being done by TeachTown to give a feedback to the learners progress.

How cool is that?

Speech-to-text software

This type of software comes in different forms. Some of these forms includes applications, tools and even devices (Amberscript Global B.V., 2023). This type of software is considered a type of assistive technology. For autistic learners, it is helpful in

How does it work to meet the needs of an autistic learner?

Lessening the Burden of Writing: Writing can be physically or mentally taxing for many autistic learners. They can audibly dictate their ideas and thoughts using speech-to-text software, which eliminates the need for handwriting or typing—a huge relief.

Improving Communication: While some autistic people may find it difficult to communicate verbally, they may write well. An alternate means of expressing ideas without the pressure of speaking in real-time is using speech-to-text software.

Enhancing Concentration and Diminishing Distress: Writing necessitates multitasking in terms of spelling, grammar, and sentence construction, which can be daunting. Speech-to-text frees students from the constraints of writing techniques, allowing them to concentrate on ideas and content.

In a classroom setting, speech-to-text technology can help autistic students take notes without the burden of writing them down.
Participation: By dictating answers, they can more readily finish assignments and add to discussions.
Reduces handwriting-related distractions so that students may concentrate on the lesson's subject matter.
In an online environment: accessibility: offers a simple method for finishing and turning in assignments.
Communication: Improves peer and teacher interaction through spoken input.
Organizing their thoughts during virtual classes and activities aids in maintaining mental clarity.