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autism in children Archives - EAS

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Assistive Technology & Autism

Assistive Technology & Autism: Top Benefits and Online Solutions

By | Blog

For children diagnosed with autism, communication, social interaction, and daily activities can be challenging. Assistive technology (AT) and related devices, in this regard, can be of significant help. These devices are specially designed to enable children on the autism spectrum live more independently while being able to access important services and information.

Assistive technology for ASD can also safeguard the interests of children – increasing their privacy as well as dignity by enabling care to be delivered only when required. Besides, the use of these technologies also encourages them to make independent decisions and choices about their own lives, thus improving their ability to perform daily activities and overall well-being.

This article covers the ways in which assistive technology can help a child with autism, as well as the advantages of the various options available. 

Improved Communication

For some children with ASD, problems with social interactions and communication are relatively subtle. However, for others, even initiating or maintaining basic interactions can be challenging. Assistive technology can help children on the autism spectrum communicate more effectively through alternative means like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. For example –

o  Proloquo2Go is a completely customizable AAC app with over 100 free natural-sounding text-to-speech voices across all languages – the voices are created using real recorded speech, making them feel astoundingly natural. The symbol-based app’s versatility makes it highly advantageous for non-verbal children with autism.

o  Jellow Communicator is an AAC solution that makes use of icons in order to facilitate communication in children who face difficulties with language and speech.

o   Avaz App is a picture and text-based AAC app that enables children with complex communication needs to learn and express themselves better. The app constitutes a robust vocabulary graded in three levels. These include beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Supports Learning

Some of the most common learning challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum are problems with language development and speech delays. Assistive technology can play an important role in helping children learn and retain information better and more easily through visual as well as auditory aids. Aligning with this, various types of software and apps intended to help visual learners write, think, and communicate, are available –

o  Livescribe’s Smartpen is an assistive technology aid that helps facilitate learning and note-taking. Recording classroom discussions while taking fewer notes enables children with intellectual difficulties to spend more time learning and listening.  

o  Visual learners can utilize signs and pictures, such as those from the Boardmaker program. The visual support software helps children with autism understand concepts and routines through pictures and symbols.

Promotes Independence

Technology promotes independence among autistic children

Assistive technology can help children on the autism spectrum become more independent by enabling them to accomplish tasks they may not otherwise be able to do on their own.

o Apps like Choiceworks can help children with autism complete daily routines by providing visual schedules and timers. The app is an excellent choice for establishing visual schedules in order to guide them through multi-step tasks and routines, such as calming down when they’re upset or getting ready in the morning.

Reduces Sensory Overload

Difficulty in focusing due to competing sensory input, restlessness and discomfort, and extreme irritability are some of the ways in which children with ASD experience sensory overload. Here, assistive technology can be extremely beneficial in helping kids manage sensory overload by providing tools that minimize distractions and build a calming environment.

o  The Relax Melodies app can help provide soothing sounds to help children with autism regulate their emotions. In addition to encouraging a relaxing and calming ambiance, the intuitive tool also aids better sleep.

o   Magic Fluids Free has proven to be highly popular among children with ASD. Essentially, it is an interactive live wallpaper that lets users play with various visual effects on the screen. It is particularly helpful for kids on the autism spectrum who have difficulty calming down.

Enhances Social Skills

AAC tools and solutions can help children improve and practice their social skills through virtual as well as interactive simulations. For example –

o  The Social Express is an engaging platform for children on the autism spectrum. The social skills program-oriented app helps develop social skills and abilities while helping children build fulfilling and meaningful social relationships. The characters in the app are depicted in social encounters inside as well as outside of school, where recognizing and understanding their companions’ emotions helps achieve the resolution. Moreover, the interactive games and scenarios also help kids learn social cues and develop communication skills.

Promotes Executive Function

Autism treatment of children

While some children on the autism spectrum operate on a very flexible schedule, unaware of what time it is and how long it may take to finish a particular task, others may adhere to a very strict schedule – often managing it to the minute or second. With regard to this, assistive technology can help children with ASD develop executive function skills such as planning, organization, and time management.

o  I’m On It: Focus Timer can be super beneficial for children who have a hard time retaining focus. The simplistic timer app can be set for up to 60 minutes, with the remaining time displayed in either a digital timer, traditional clock face, or a progress bar. It also helps children understand the concept of time and manage their schedules.

o  Companion by Identifor is an app best suited for children looking for more independence but still requiring a certain degree of assistance. Its core features include task reminders delivered via text messages and notifications, school and work schedules, and calendar management.

 Assistive technology can be a powerful tool for children, helping them to better communicate, learn, and navigate their environment. In essence, the advantages of AAC for children on the autism spectrum include –

  • Improved Communication
  • Supports Learning
  • Promotes Independence
  • Reduces Sensory Overload
  • Enhances Social Skills
  • Promotes Executive Function

And as evidenced, the benefits of using assistive technology are profound, as it helps to improve children’s learning capabilities, fosters their independence, and encourages them to form meaningful relationships with peers and family members.

At Early Autism Services (EAS), we believe the best way to develop your child’s potential is through proactive, personalized autism therapy programs to enable families to work hand in hand with licensed professionals.

So, don’t wait any longer and book a consultation call with our autism care experts right away: +91 8929153820

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10 advantages of early intervention of people with ASD

Top 10 Advantages of Early Intervention for Children with ASD

By | Blog

Early intervention has been shown to have significant benefits for children on the autism spectrum. It involves offering specialized support as well as services to children as early as possible. Moreover, as per Vikaspedia, early intervention helps minimize delays and improves a child’s potential in reaching normal developmental milestones..

Early interventions occur at or before preschool age (as early as 2 or 3 years). During this period, a young child’s brain is still in the formative stages. Owing to this flexibility, treatments have a higher or better chance of being effective in the longer term.

Through early intervention, several children with ASD make remarkable progress; in essence, they may no longer be on the autism spectrum when they are older. Many of the children who subsequently go off the spectrum have these three aspects in common –

  •  Higher intelligence quotient (IQ) than the average for a child with ASD
  • Treatment and diagnoses at relatively younger ages
  • Improved motor and language skills

Accordingly, in this blog, we will explore the top 10 advantages of early intervention for children with autism since this approach can have a remarkable impact on their overall development and well-being. By understanding these advantages, parents, autism caregivers, as well as educators can work together and ensure the best possible outcomes for children with unique needs

Enhanced Socialization Skills

Aba Therapy improves social skills among children

Children on the autism spectrum often wish to interact with others but may not know how to engage effectively. In fact, they may even become overwhelmed by socialization. Hence, early intervention programs for children with autism typically focus on socialization activities that aid the development of social skills, such as turn-taking, sharing, and joint attention. By participating in these activities at an early age, children can effectively learn social skills that are crucial for establishing and maintaining friendships, as well as participating in group activities.

Improved Behavior

Improved behaviour due to early intervention in children with Autism

Early intervention often includes behavior management strategies that can play an essential role in tackling challenging behaviors. These include aggression, tantrums, and self-injurious behavior, to name a few. By addressing them early on, children can learn more adaptive ways of responding to their environment, subsequently enhancing their overall functioning as well as their quality of life.

Better Communication Skills

Although some children with ASD have good communication skills, others may find it harder to interact with or relate to others. Since communication is often a major challenge for children with autism, early intervention programs can help address this through speech therapy as well as other communication-based interventions. By focusing on the development of communication skills at an early age, children on the spectrum can develop the ability to express their feelings, emotions, and needs while understanding and responding to others better.

Improved Quality of Life for Children and Families

The advantages of early intervention for children with autism can have a significant impact on the quality of life for both the child and their family. By addressing developmental needs early on, children with autism can develop improved social skills, independence, and academic abilities, which can improve their overall functioning.

Higher Independence Levels

Early intervention also helps develop independent abilities, such as self-help skills (e.g., dressing, eating) and adaptive skills (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making). Through this, children can eventually develop higher independence and self-sufficiency levels, which can enable them to function more efficiently in their daily lives.

Better Academic Performance

In terms of education and schooling, early intervention can have a highly positive influence on the child’s academic performance. Specialized instruction and support for these skills in their formative years can also enable children with autism to read, write, and solve math problems more effectively. And this factor, in turn, can significantly help improve their academic outcomes.

More Opportunities for Inclusion

 Inclusion of children with ASD in classrooms can help reduce the stigma associated with autism, and students can also learn how to interact with their peers. Aligning with this, early intervention programs often provide opportunities for inclusion in regular education classrooms as well as other community activities. By participating in these activities at an early age, children with ASD can develop greater social skills and independence while experiencing a sense of belonging in the broader community.

Reduced Reliance on Special Education Amenities

Early intervention programs also help children address developmental requirements early on. Through this, kids can make relatively greater progress and subsequently require fewer specialized services in the future.

Healthier Family Functioning

The challenges experienced by families of children with ASD range from health problems, financial issues, changes in family dynamics, as well as the absence of social life and a support system. Here, early intervention can offer adequate support and resources for families, which, in turn, helps improve household functioning. By providing parents with information and strategies for managing their child’s behavior and development, early intervention programs can also help strengthen familial relationships

Minimized Parental Stress

Parenting a child with autism can be challenging and stressful, and early intervention programs can help alleviate the pressure. By providing parents with the tools they need to manage their child’s behavior and development, early intervention programs can play a pivotal role in easing feelings of helplessness and anxiety experienced by parents and caregivers.

Early interventions not only provide your child with the best start possible, but also the right opportunities toward reaching their full potential. In summary, here are the top 10 benefits of early intervention for children with autism:

  • Enhanced Socialization Skills
  • Improved Behavior
  • Better Communication Skills
  • Improved Quality of Life for Children and Families
  • Higher Independence Levels
  • Better Academic Performance
  • More Opportunities for Inclusion
  • Reduced Reliance on Special Education Amenities
  • Healthier Family Functioning
  • Minimized Parental Stress

So, if you’re ready to give your child the best autism care in Bengaluru, get in touch with our experts right away – because the right time to begin early intervention is now!

Speak with an EAS clinician today: +91 8929153820