Technology+Plan+for+Assistive+Learning+Needs

**How Can We Help ASD Students In Our Classrooms? Technological Considerations for Assistive Learning Needs** At first glance, looking at a students with Autism or Asperger’s, it is easy to assume that these students live in their own world, one that is remote from other learners. However, it is possible to reach these students. Using technology can make the processes of teaching and learning easier and rewarding for both you and your students. The following ideas can be used with a group comprising exclusively ASD students, or in a mainstream class with one or more learners using assistive technology.

Starters are short introductory activities. They can have everything or nothing to do with the remainder of the lesson. They usually last around five minutes, but may go on longer. Many learners on the autistic spectrum need to be able to finish tasks and this is more important than your lesson timing. The main requirement is that they are fun: quizzes, anagrams, hangman and odd one out puzzles all set a positive tone for the lesson. Computers are a good tool to use for these types of activities because they help to increase the student’s attention, help to develop fine motor skills, show greater ability to generalize skills across environments, and helps to facilitate learning and independent functioning.
 * Starters**

Typically, children with autism process visual information easier than auditory information. Any time we use assistive technology devices with these children, we're giving them information through their strongest processing area (visual). Therefore various types of technology should be incorporated into every aspect of daily living in order to improve the functional capabilities of children with autism. There are various software programs available to help students in this area (refer to software list)
 * Visuals**

One of the ways that autism and Asperger’s Syndrome manifest themselves is in a difficulty sequencing tasks. For example, asking an ASD student to look at the article and fill in both sections of the answer sheet’ may as well be given in another language. Before you reprimand the pupil who sits staring into space, humming to him or herself, ask yourself if they have understood your instructions. Instead of telling the you must show your ASD student what to do and guide them through the start of the activity. Assistive technology, particularly video taping is a great tool for teaching ASD students cause and effect and sequencing.
 * Show, Don’t Tell**

In order to meet the needs of the ASD students it will take the help of everyone involved in the student’s life: school administration, faculty and staff, parents and family members, and students. Together, everyone can ensure the success of the student. Through intuitiveness and creativity and the use of assistive technology, stake holders in the students education can communicate with the students as well as provide meaningful and relevant instruction. As each students with ASD is unique, the technology used must be specific to each students’ needs and learning capabilities.

Assistive technology can be very beneficial because it can be used to help children with ASD. It is definitely helpful for the students that cannot communicate their thoughts clearly by traditional means. Using the computers and other communication devices allows them this access in order to avoid frustration and still fulfill their classroom assignments. Technology in the classroom is a great tool for all grade and ability levels. Even in dealing with ASD students, it is important to note that technology is a tool, a supplemental tool to assist in the advancement of student learning.