In today’s day and age, it seems our whole world depends on smartphones, tablets, and the internet. There is no doubt that technology has completely changed our world. It has given us unlimited access to information and communication while removing the need for face-to-face social interaction. Technology is particularly helpful with vulnerable children, like those with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Screen technology can play an important role in supporting early language by creating new opportunities for interaction and engagement. Indiana Resource Center for Autism reports that many children with autism are visual learners.[1] Screen media tends to make visual images more available for children with autism and computer graphics grab and keep their attention. Technology also enables kids to find specific interests and build skills, thus increasing play options and independence. To learn more about autism and ways you can help your child, Check out Dr. B’s book Screen Time in the Mean Time. In today’s article, we will discuss the benefits of technology and app recommendations for children with autism.

What is Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

Autistic Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability that affects the way people communicate, behave, or interact with others. Researchers have not identified a single cause, and symptoms can be mild to severe. Autism can be detected at 18 months or younger.

There are also cases where children don’t receive diagnoses until much older. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States.[2] Autism spectrum disorder affects children of all races and nationalities. It is 4 times more common among boys than girls.[3] It is important that as parents we are aware of certain signs and symptoms of autism. The earlier the treatment, the better and more effective for the child.

Signs of Autism

Social Skills

Impaired social skill is one of the most common signs of autism. Specifically, many children with autism display impairment in the areas of poor eye contact, trouble recognizing expressions of emotions of others, and lack of social awareness. This is different compared to when someone is “shy.” Kids with ASD often have difficulties knowing how to act in social situations, especially with same-age peers. Children with ASD tend to avoid eye -contact, prefer playing alone, and often don’t respond to their name by 12 months old.

Communication

Communication varies when it comes to autistic children. About 40% of children with ASD do not talk at all. About 25%–30% of children with ASD have some words at 12 to 18 months of age and then lose them.[4] ASD issues include delayed speech and using repetitive words and reversed pronouns. Many children with ASD have a hard time understanding and using nonverbal behaviors that facilitate communication like hand movements, body language, and different tones of voice.

Behavior

Children with ASD tend to repeat their actions and behaviors over and over which are called stereotypies. For instance, a child might spend a long period spinning in circles or clapping their hands. This is an example of a self-stimulation activity. Children with autism often thrive with a routine. Changes to their expected rituals can be upsetting to them.

How is technology beneficial?

If your child has ASD, technology can help them become more self-sufficient, work out challenges and improve upon strength. Using helpful apps shouldn’t disrupt your day-to-day routines, but rather enhance them. Apps allow for personalized learning and encourages an inclusive and interactive learning environment.

By observing children and their interaction with apps and listening carefully to the way they respond, you can better understand their thought patterns and plan carefully for their next steps in learning. Wellness apps offer strategies to regulate moods and improve well-being.

Using Technology to Improve Verbal Skills

Many children with autism find it helpful to use resources with a picture communication system, social stories, and visual timetables to improve their verbal skills. Applications for smartphones and tablets now allow parents to create schedules, stories, and activities that can benefit their children. There are many apps designed for those who have trouble communicating by providing a digital voice. Apps can give children the opportunity to enhance vocabulary development while also supporting children’s understanding of early language concepts.

Apps to Improve Verbal Skills

Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go is a symbol-based app for children with nonverbal autism. Using a natural-sounding voice, the user creates a sentence using symbols they are familiar with. Then the app will read it aloud. Most individuals report improvement in verbal skills and behavior. The images on the buttons are SymbolStix, although the user can also use real pictures or life-like cartoon drawings. The app is currently available for ios users.[5]

Avaz AAC

Avaz AAC is a speech app that assists children with autism who have a hard time communicating with others. The app can create a picture exchange communication book that can be created into a pdf and printed. That way the child has the option to print it out and store it in a binder. The Avaz app can help your child communicate their thoughts and needs while tracking progress. The app is currently free for a 14-day trial.

Using Technology to Improve Social-Emotional Skills

Often children who are on the autistic spectrum have difficulties with social skills. Children usually cannot understand facial expressions and vocal tones which can affect a child’s ability to communicate. This can lead to failure to understand other emotions and social cues. Technology can help children be understanding and aware of others, which increases their communication skills.

Apps to Improve Social-Emotional Skills

Conversational Builder

Conversion Builder is an app to help children develop social skills and exchange conversations with people. The app supports children to role-play conversation such as turn-taking, topic maintenance, and appropriate questioning in a fun and engaging way. It can be challenging for children with autism to start and maintain a conversation. This app helps children practice, rehearse, and learn from their mistakes which can lead to them having a successful conversation.

Thanks to CSUCI intern, Maira Soto for researching technology and autism for this article. For more information on some beneficial apps, check out this GKIS article, GKIS Recommends Some Favorite Mental Health Apps