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Technology and Autism
Technology is a beautiful thing. It can change lives. Years ago, our friend Charlie, who has since passed away, remarked that “someday, we will be able to collect all of our information and store it in a device the size of a credit card.” Charlie did not live to see his auspicious vision. So...
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Technology Opens Doors for College Students on the Spectrum
Individuals with autism spectrum disorders are entering college in increasing numbers (USDOE, 2011). These students may benefit from the many opportunities enjoyed by non-disabled college students, but they may also find college much more challenging. Disability services mandated by ADA such as...
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B.F. Skinner’s iPhone: The Era of Technology-Enabled Clinicians
B.F. Skinner was an American humanist, philosopher, behavioral scientist, author, and inventor. In his latter capacity, Skinner had a keen interest in the education of children. In fact, in a notable quote that captures his personal philosophy he suggested that: “It has always been the task of...
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The Importance of a Visual Schedule
It’s half past eight in the morning. Jan, a 10-year-old boy with ADHD, wakes up. His phone plays a nice, calm melody to wake him from his slumber. When the music stops, he looks at the screen of his phone to see a picture in black and white with a little man sitting on his bed and is preparing to...
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The Ins and Outs of Technologically-Savvy Psychotherapy
When the parents of a bright, 7-year-old girl were informed that their daughter’s delays in social and emotional development were likely indicative of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), they responded in a manner similar to many other parents who have received such news. They began seeking medical...
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Augmentative Communication: Finding the Real Person “Trapped Inside”
Jerry, a young man with autism, approached two women in the waiting area. He pressed a button on his augmentative communication device and said, “Good morning. It’s nice to meet you.” Thanks to a Nova Chat 7 communication device, Jerry, 22 (note: he turns 23 on 1/22/14), has a voice for...
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Autism Speaks Awards iPads to 800 Individuals with Autism – Pilot Study Showed Their Effectiveness on the Communication Skills of Individuals with ASD
On December 9, 2013, Autism Speaks donated iPad 2’s to 800 financially disadvantaged individuals with autism, as well as teachers and social workers who work in the autism community with individuals in need. After the iPad grant application was announced in November, Autism Speaks received...
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Robots as Co-Therapists in Behavior Therapy for Individuals with ASD
Recent technological advances have opened the possibility of using robots in therapy for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This approach has received a lot of press, but to date most research has focused on developing the robots rather than clinical issues related to the use of...
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Use Social Apps to Keep Skills Sharp Over the Summer
Summertime can be a welcome break from school for many students, who will cram as much sleeping in and having fun as they can into a few short months before the school year resumes. But the intrinsic break in routine can also spell disaster for some kids on the Autism spectrum or with other social...
