Autism Spectrum Disorder



Autism Spectrum DisorderAssistive TechnologiesNovella, StevenEthan ZoellnerProfessor Cobb11/6/2011Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that is very complex. It can cause problems with social interaction and communication. Most of the symptoms show up before age three and cause problems in development through adulthood. Depending on the person, they can have different symptoms. The disorder is called a spectrum disorder because it is a group of disorders that have similar features. The main problems and symptoms are communication, social and repetitive behaviors. Communication can be verbal or non-verbal between people. Social includes sharing emotions, holding conversations and understanding others. Repetitive behaviors are such things as repeating works and actions and following a routine obsessively. There are many types of symptoms that go along with social and communication with others than what I mentioned above (Novella, Steven). Furthermore, just because a person has autism doesn’t mean that they can’t do what other people without autism. Some can are even better at what they do then people without autism. Autism is a disorder but a lot of the people with it are still very smart.In northeast Ohio, 2,008 students have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the last five years. The number of people being diagnosed with this disorder is rising because a number of reasons. People in the medical profession have come up with two hypotheses as to why the number of people being diagnosed has risen. One hypothesis is that environmental changes have caused the amount of people diagnosed to rise. Yet many medical people are saying that this theory is less and less credible. The main reason why Autism Spectrum Disorder is thought to be rising is because the broadened definition of Autism to Autism Spectrum Disorder and because people are more accepting of the disorder. Scientist historically doesn’t like to change the definition of disorders but with the progress and understanding of the biology and disease makes the change of the definition of the disorder unavoidable. (Novella, Steven) Autism was changed to Autism Spectrum Disorder in the 1990’s with the new name showing the broader spectrum of symptoms. Furthermore other lesser known disorders and syndromes where put into Autism Spectrum Disorder, broadening the amount of people that are diagnosed. (Novella, Steven) Furthermore technology, social and medical network about Autism Spectrum Disorder has increased. A lot of people that before would go unnoticed are now being reported. Also parents have and clinicians have become more knowledgeable about Autism Spectrum Disorder and have been more accepting of the diagnosis. This is proven through studies that showed, using the same criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis today and applies it to the past; the rate of diagnosis would be very similar to what it is today. Furthermore people that would have been diagnosed with other disorders, such as developmental language disorder, are now being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder instead. Yet, with all this said, medical professionals are not ruling out that there is a small increase in people having Autism Spectrum Disorder. In conclusion, without a sufficient increase in Autism Spectrum Disorder, the environmental factor has been all but ruled out in dealing with the increase in the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. (Novella, Steven)Assistive Technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, off-the-shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” Typically with Autism Spectrum Disorder, children process visual information easier than auditory information. This concludes that that “high” and “low” tech visual technology device should be incorporated into every aspect of the living of children with autism. Low tech will include such things as pointing to pictures and the using speech output systems. High tech devices will include the computer-based devices that have a variety of capabilities. These use computers generated speech and use a lot of memory. They also can be used to control environment like the TV, light and computers. A popular high tech device that has been popular recently is the IPAD. The IPAD has a lot of applications that can be used by Autistic kids to learn different skills. The IPAD doesn’t work with all but for some it works wonders. The advances in recent technology have helped autism more because the computer speech sounds more normal than ever before. More common high tech devices according to include DynaMyte, and DynaVox(Sentient Systems); the AlphaTalker (Digital), DeltaTalker, Pathfinder, System 2000 and Message Mate (Words+); and Speak Easy (AbleNet). With specific software, personal computers (Windows or Macintosh) can also be used as voice output AAC devices. Examples include: Intellikeys/Intellitalk (IntelliTools). Another reason why the IPAD is used is because it is usually more affordable costing around $500. Some of these other technologies can run up to $9,000 and are usually over $1,000. The lower tech devices are usually more used for communication. They use a lot of pictures, symbols and simple phases that the autistic person can use to help communicate to others. Some common low tech devices include BigMac and One Step from Ablenet, and multi message devices such as the Tech/Four, Tech/Talk, and Tech/Scan (AMDi) and can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,500 according to . Video modeling is showing a skill or something children should learn over a video. This is effective because it can be shown over and over and won’t be different each time a kid with Autism Spectrum Disorder watches it. Research has shown that video modeling helps children learn how to interact with others. The video modeling is cost effective and has shown to help tremendously. (newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/) It is said that the same entertainment appeal that movies have to kids also appeal to autistic children only more so. Children with autism respond to visual, video and television cues and have a more powerful effect on them. These videos show a more motivating and positive reinforcement for autistic children. () Works CitedNovella, Steven. "Science-Based Medicine ? The Increase in Autism Diagnoses: Two Hypotheses." Science-Based Medicine. 16 Apr. 2008. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. <;."Assistive Technology for Autism, Augmentative Communication Devices." Toddler Preschool and Baby Toys Educational and Developmental Games for Early Learning. Spring 2011. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. <, S., Akullian, J., & Hopf, A. (2007). Increasing social engagement in young children with autism spectrum disorders using video self-modeling. School Psychology Review, 36, 80-90. Bellini, S. & Akullian, J. (2007). A meta-analysis of video modeling and video self-modeling interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. Exceptional Children, 73, 261-284. "Watching Videos Can Help Children with Autism Learn Social Skills." IU News Room: Indiana University. 29 Mar. 2007. Web. 06 Nov. 2011. <; ................
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