Leveling the Playing Field With Technology for Individuals With Asperger Syndrome
By Smith, Sean J.; Smith, Sheila M.; Closing the Gap, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 13-16Publication Date: June/July 2006
Article focuses in technology that has the potential to yield benefits for people with Asperger Syndrome, which is characterized by the following symptoms: (1) impaired social and occupational functioning, and (2) markedly repetitive interests and activities. Boardmaker from Mayer-Johnson is a communication and learning tool that features over 3,000 Picture Communication Symbols. The program can be used to create visual organization systems, scripts, task sequences, and schedules. Programs such as iMovie from Apple or Movie Maker from Microsoft can be used to develop movies, which can enhance students’ visual experience and help to illustrate what other people are feeling during a given social situation. Writing with Symbols from Mayer Johnson and Picture It from Slater Software can be used to visually structure social skills lessons. Writing with Symbols can allow teachers to provide students with early writing experiences that are necessary for literacy development, as the program features a number of visual cues such as word and symbol displays and picture-word stories.
Assistive Products Discussed: PICTURE IT
WRITING WITH SYMBOLS
BOARDMAKER (INTERNATIONAL)
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
