Supporting Students with ASD: Strategies and Technologies by Dawn Robeson

Visual Schedule

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:30:11 UTC

Visual Schedule is an example of a low-tech communication system. With this communication system one can arrange the daily schedule in visuals and the user can have it with them to refer to. Having a visual schedule helps the user understand what is coming next. An example of this would be a student who is having difficulty transitioning outside to playground time. Having the student refer to the visual schedule will show them that the playground is next on the schedule. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by looking for student independence in following the schedule.

First/Then

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:34:33 UTC

First /Then is an example of a low-tech communication strategy. With this strategy a visual icon can be placed in the “first” spot to represent what is expected to happen first, and in the next spot, the “then” spot another visual icon is placed for what is expected after the first expectation is completed. This will assist the user in understanding what needs to happen first before you can go to the next task. An example of this is “first” coat on, “then” play outside. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by ensuring the user understands the picture icons being used and is able to follow the steps of following the first direction and continuing to the second direction.

4 Plate Communicator/Play It/Say It

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:36:45 UTC

4 Plate Communicator/Play it/Say it is an example of a low-tech communication device. When using this device, many users who have difficulties with fine motor movements can successfully use this device as it is easy to use with large motor movements. An example of this would be a student who is being taught greetings. The greetings can be listed and chosen by the student. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by ensuring the student can properly and successfully hit the target area to activate the communication square. Further assessment can be done to observe whether the student is understanding the target words.

Tactile Communicator

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:39:18 UTC

Tactile Communicator is an example of a high-tech communication device. This device is for a visually impaired person. The buttons are tactile so when touched by the user, they represent something to them by what the tactile sensation is along with the verbal message associated with the tactile representation. An example of when one can use this tool is when in a classroom setting learning about match concepts, the instructor can pre-program the math messages into the device and the user can manipulate the tactile buttons to receive the message in math instruction. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by seeing if the student is understanding the math concepts and instruction that has been pre recorded. Do the pre recorded buttons represent the skill being taught and does the stunt understand the tactile delivery?

PEC's Picture Exchange System

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:40:32 UTC

PEC's Picture Exchange System is an example of a low-tech communication system. This is a communication system where pictures are used to represent a word. The pictures can be anything from food choice, play choices to emotions. The user generally will exchange a picture for an item. An example of this can be when at play time, the student would like another farm animal out of the toy bin. The PEC’s can be used here to offer the student 1 of 2 choices of an animal picture. When the student chooses 1 picture the picture is paired with the plastic pretend farm animal and the student receives the plastic pretend farm animal in exchange for the picture of the animal. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by seeing if the student is attending to the icon, able to make the exchange and understand the exchange.

Big Talk

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:43:03 UTC

Big Talk is an example of a high-tech communication system. With this device one can pre-record a message and when the button is activated a message is played. An example of this being used could be at snack time-when a student would like “more” snacks, and they are unable to use a different form of communication, they can activate the Big Talk to say “more” and receive more snacks. To evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy, start with a highly preferred activity to practice with so the student gains and understanding of the concept. As the student becomes more engaged with it, start to use it for more specific communication for times like requesting snacks. It’s important that the student is able to physically activate the button as well.

Talking Calculator

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:44:03 UTC

Talking Calculator is an example of a high-tech communication device. It is a speech output device that gives output in mathematical terms. It has a mute option and a volume control option. This voice output calculator would assist a student who may be hard of hearing or vision impaired. An example of using this device would be for a stunt who is visually impaired, they have learned where the keys are on the device so now it is time to use the calculator for math equations. One can evaluate the effectiveness of the device by checking to see if the student's answers are correct. If they are correct , it indicates the student is able to navigate the device successfully.

C-Pen Reader Pen

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:45:25 UTC

C-Pen Reader Pen is an example of a high-tech communication device. The reader pen will read text out loud for those who need reading support. It reads in different languages, has dictionary features and a voice memo recorder. An example of this would be someone with dyslexia, rather than becoming confused or frustrated when reading a text, they can easily use the reader pen to listen to the text to make it more meaningful and engaging. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this tool by checking reading comprehension and the rate at which the reader is proceeding through the assigned text.

Four Compartment Communicator

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:46:58 UTC

Four Compartment Communicator is an example of a high-tech communication system. With this device one can record a message and pair it with a visual icon so that when activated it will play the pre-recorded message supporting the icon. An example of a time when one can use this device would be during an assignment where there are 4 choices to be made. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by gauging if the student is understanding there are 4 choices, are they indicating a correct answer and understanding of the concept?

Hip Talk Plus

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:49:17 UTC

Hip Talk Plus is an example of a high-tech communication system. This system is a portable system that stays right with the user by buckling onto the body so that it is within hand's reach for the user. The hip talk plus has interchangeable icons that can have recorded messages. An example of using this would be in a grocery store to navigate where items are in the store or use it to ask questions to a grocery store staff member. One can evaluate the effectiveness of this strategy by ensuring the proper icons are loaded to the proper voice messages and that they support the activity or outing’s communication and the students' needs. Check for accuracy by ensuring the student is able to access the buttons and that a certain percentage of the buttons are being properly used according to the setting.

dawnrobeson — 2024-10-17 02:51:23 UTC

Alt + Shift, (n.d.) Assistive Technology Lending Library. https://www.altshift.education/lending-library

Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services, (August 2022). Assistive Technology Consideration Resource Guide. https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2024/07/2024%20Printable%20AT%20Consideration%2.0Guide.pdf

Enabling Devices, (2024). Enabling Devices. https://enablingdevices.com/product-category/communication-devices/?srsltid=AfmBOoqfNQEtA0iv1kcS4KUYKr_QaIyvUf_awmzL2E4HG6aetty_8-z2&fwp_paged=2

National Autism Resources, (2024). National Autism Resources. https://nationalautismresources.com/