Tech holds great promise for students with autism


From apps to smart-home implementations, technology can improve daily life for those on the autism spectrum

New tech in development

There are new products on the horizon offering even more potential benefits than what already exists. With virtual reality, individuals can practice having an experience without needing to be in a stressful situation. ViTA DMF is creating software to do virtual job interviews. Augmented reality devices can be used to gain more information about the surrounding environment. Intel’s Vaunt and Microsoft’s HoloLens are smart glasses that will provide more information about objects and locations to the person wearing them.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits is developing software that will help with detecting emotions, which could be beneficial for individuals with autism that may struggle with detecting emotions in others or feeling out situations. Brain Power is using its Transition Master to help individuals transition to a new place before going there and Face2Face to improve interaction and eye contact by turning regular conversations into games.

Whether as simple as an app or intricate as virtual or augmented reality programs, technology can help to improve what can be an otherwise challenging daily life for those on the autism spectrum.

About the Presenter

Christian Karter, M.A., is the educational technology specialist at Monarch Center for Autism, a division of Bellefaire JCB, in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He holds a master’s degree in community counseling and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from John Carroll University. He has worked at Monarch Center for Autism for 11 years as an associate teacher in the classroom and in his present role. Karter’s chief responsibilities include iPad deployment, Monarch’s PAIRS data system management, and introduction of new technologies into the classrooms.

Join the Community

Teaching Students with Autism is a free professional learning community that provides ideas and resources for teachers working with students with autism, particularly advances in technology that can lead to significant breakthroughs in communication and learning.

This broadcast was hosted by edWeb.net and sponsored by Monarch Center for Autism, STAR Autism Support, and VizZle.

The recording of the edWebinar can be viewed by anyone here.

[Editor’s note: This piece is original content produced by edWeb.net. View more edWeb.net events here.]

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