Assistive Technology Explained

What is AT (Assistive Technology)
Assistive technology is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. Assistive technology can include mobility devices such as walkers and wheelchairs, as well as hardware, software, and peripherals that assist people with disabilities in accessing computers or other information technologies. For example, people with limited hand function may use a keyboard with large keys or a special mouse to operate a computer, people who are blind may use software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice, people with low vision may use software that enlarges screen content, people who are deaf may use a TTY (text telephone), or people with speech impairments may use a device that speaks out loud as they enter text via a keyboard.

Assistive Technology and Autism
Children with autism can follow a different pattern in the development behavioural, social and communication skills. They appear to learn differently than other children and frequently have difficulty with spoken and written language expression. Some children with autism may not speak at all, they may speak just a few words, or they may speak but what they say doesn’t make sense in the situation.

Children with autism may also have difficulty understanding spoken language. They may also not be able to understand gestures, body language, and tone of voice that convey subtle differences in meaning. They also often demonstrate difficulties with overall motor planning. The motor planning involved in speaking – coordinating the mouth, lips, tongue and facial muscles – is extremely complex and requires sophisticated motor planning ability. Similarly, the motor planning involved in writing or using sign language is complex and can prove challenging for children with ASD.

An array of Assistive Technologies can be used to enhance, expand and develop skills in children with autism. Here are just some of the examples featured on this Wiki:


 * Apps and computer games using Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to aid in communication development


 * Apps and computer software using speech generating devices (SGDs)
 * Robots/AI to aid in development of communication, behavioural and social skills