Autism

media type="youtube" key="Eb_URYj_L_k" height="344" width="425" This video includes some assistive technology that could be helpful for students with autism but it isn't limited to just autism. The devices described in this video are general speaking devices for anyone who has any type of speaking disability. They help anyone who cannot speak on their own to actually have a voice through this technology. It helps them to communicate with others and allows them to be self-sufficient. There are even adaptations and other options for people who may have physical disabilities. Options such as head-sticks,mouse sticks, switches and head tracking controls.

This video follows multiple families who have children ranging throughout the autism spectrum. This assistive technology is called iprompt. The iphone or ipod touch are needed to install this software. The iprompt provides pictures for the child to access so they are able to communicate what the want, what they are thinking, or what they are feeling. All of the parents said how easy and portable it was to use instead of the picture communication system where pictures may have gotten lost and took longer to put together a thought. The iprompt also allows the user to take pictures of the child doing activities (brushing teeth, eating, at school) to personalize the child's schedule. This assistive technology is an easy portable way for children with autism to express what they are thinking to others and for others to communicate with autistic children. media type="custom" key="4743599" width="440" height="347"media type="youtube" key="WbxvV9Ny8P8" height="344" width="425" This video illustrates a young boy who has autism. His mother is asking him questions about what he wants for lunch and he is using his Dynavox to answer her questions.
 * This assistive technology is very simliar to the video I posted above. I think his Dynavox does the same thing as the iprompt in the video I posted. Since an iphone or ipod touch is much smaller than the Dynavox, I think more families would prefer the iprompt for its ease and portability.
 * I also posted a video about Dynavox. I think this company makes many wonderful tools for children with autism to use. They make many technologies for children to communicate.
 * I feel that the Dynavox would make life for the teacher and the student a little bit easier. The teacher would not have to ask a student to repeat what they are asking by having the Dynavox speak for them. This product could make it easier for a student to explain exactly what they want the first time around.
 * I think this is a great way for children with autism to communicate. They would get less frustrated if they were able to use a tool like this to communicate with their parents, teachers and caregivers. It is a smaller size than many other assistive technology tools which makes it more portable and nice.

media type="youtube" key="HXchQnJ6PoE" height="344" width="425"This video discusses many different assistive technologys for different types of disabilities. It gives great definitions on technologys such as screen readers,alternative communication devices and many more. media type="youtube" key="DnGWxuNnDfI" height="385" width="480" Some people with autism are echolalic and use repetitive speech. These individuals can benefit from a speech-generating device to help them use speech consistently and engage in more meaningful communication. If a teacher is unable to use these types of technologies they could use a website such as xtra normal and they can enter their language and create movies to communicate. Dyna vox creates a device in which students who are unable to speak, or have repetitve speech, they can just enter the language, and are able to communicate more easily.
 * I also watched this video and I liked they way that it included definitions to better understand the different ways children can use assistive technologies.
 * I like how this Dyna vox is being used for an adult instead of a child. It looks like a more complex tool but still easy enough to use quickly. When I think of assistive technology most of the time children come to my mind. I like how this video shows that children are not the only ones who use assistive technology.

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 * I liked how the Super Talker helped Josh to communicate better with his teacher but it also allowed him to learn how to say words and communicate almost completely on his own. I am really surprised that he is able to completely talk by himself with little aid from the Super Talker now. That is really a good accomplishment for him, his teacher and his family.

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The Tap To Talk is from Assistyx it is an affordable way to help children with speech problems, such as autism or any other developmental delay. It is used on any Nintendo DS. It is used like a game but it allows individuals to use it as a personal communication device. An individual will touch a picture and the Tap To Talk speaks for the individual. A parent can individualize pictures and voices by using a tool on the web Tap To Talk designer or they could add their own pictures and voices. This could be used in the classroom to help assist a student to do work or to communicate. By being able to add your own pictures and voices this could work to benefit the student and teacher. They would be able to add objects, food, etcetera that is used in the classroom by the student. This helps the student to communicate.
 * I really like this Tap To Talk because it utilizes another device. Because the program is used through the Nintendo DS, it allows the child with autism or communication deficiencies to use a device that is similar to one his/her peers have. This way, the child may not feel embarrassed that they have to use a device unlike others. (TJD)

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This video shows the use of photos for augmentative communication. In this video you are able to see that everyday objects have pictures on them to help individuals who have autism to help have a daily routine. There are pictures in a book that an individual see and then they know exactly what they need to do to get ready for the day. The boy is eating at the table and uses device to help speak for him. This allows him to communicate and helps those around him know exactly what he wants. This could help a teacher in the classroom because it allows the student to communicate his wants or needs to the teacher. Pictures are most likely the oldest form of augmentative communication and not the most current technology that could be used. But this still allows individuals who are non-verbal to communicate. This could work for anyone who has trouble communicating.