Computer-based lessons popular with autistic students

By Alexandra Latremouille

Two local educators have said computer-based lessons are growing in demand for elementary-level students with autism.

Many special needs teachers are using computer programs, such as Proloquo2Go and AAC Autism Talk Now, to enhance their students’ educations. According to AutismSpeaks.com, there are hundreds of games and apps available for children with special needs. This variety allows most areas of the autism spectrum to be dealt with.

Although several different programs are available, one consultant at the Greater Essex Country District School Board said those offered in the board do not give children everything they need.

“It would be helpful to have a software program or app that would help support students with social skill development and practice,” said Laura Dunn, the board’s elementary resource consultant. “Something very similar to the new MEBook would be helpful.”

MEBook is a social narrative and gaming system created by University of Kentucky engineering student Nkiruka Uzuegbunam and professor Sen-ching Samson Cheung. Using computer vision and signal processing, it allows children to practice social interaction by using their own image.

According to one local vice-principal, the game is not being used within the WindsorEssex Catholic District School Board either.

“This program is supposed to be doing remarkable stuff with kids,” said Mike Pio, who works at St. Pius X Catholic Elementary School. “It especially helps them with communication skills, but no, we don’t have it.”

Despite this, a psychotherapist at the Natural Way Health Clinic in Waterloo said MEBook does not have to be a necessity in classrooms.

“At least for me, I find using technology with autistic children is a 50-50 thing,” said Maria Javier. “On one hand, it does help them be structured. But on the other hand, it might not be good to rely on completely. They need actual life experience to help them in the real world.”

A 2006 study by autism expert Christina Whalen found students who receive computer assisted instruction develop similarly to those who do not. However, Javier said many autistic children become addicted to computer programs if they receive little personal interaction to compensate.

Researchers at the University of Missouri found children with autism spend twice as much time playing video games as those who do not have it. According to Javier, this behaviour, “…could cause them to have a harder time connecting with people and feel alienated as adults.”

This has not slowed the demand for CAI in classrooms. However, Dunn said it should encourage staff to think more creatively about how to help students with special needs.