Assistive Technology for Autism Spectrum Disorders

 

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) can benefit from the use of Assistive Technology (AT). Through the use of AT, the user can become less dependent on caregivers for prompts. This fosters greater independence and success.

Visual Schedules

Although "paper" schedules are beneficial, many individuals will perform better when there is also a paired voice prompt. Use simple communication buttons, such as the Talk About! to create" talking" visual schedules. Velcro pictures or objects to each button and place the buttons in the order in which tasks should be completed. Velcro the buttons to a wall, table, or other surface. If you need a portable, inexpensive voice output visual schedule, Velcro the Talk About! buttons to a Talk n Tote Board.      

• Sample "talking" visual schedule (place pictures on buttons and record a message on each button):
• Morning arrival: "I will put my lunchbox in my cubby."
• Morning free time: "I will play with blocks."
• Morning activity: "I will set on the red carpet for reading time."
• Center Based Tasks

Use communication buttons to record the directions for each center's activity. If the task is a simple one, you could record the instructions on one button. If the task is more complicated (multi-step) considering recording each step of the directions on a Little Step-by-Step. Each time the button is pressed, the next step will be spoken out loud for the user. Or a series of individual communication buttons could be used. Use Time Trackers at each center to provide visual cues for time remaining.

Melt Down Redirection

Individuals with ASD often find it difficult to transition from one activity to another. Using visual schedules is helpful in these transitions. But a visual cue before a task is coming to an end allows these individuals time to "gear up" for a change. Using a visual timer such as a Time Tracker gives individuals with ASD cues about how much time is remaining for a task and when time is coming to an end for an activity. This makes for a smoother transition.    

Sometimes people just need a break. Use a communication button with a message like "I need a break". Then set your visual timer to allow for a short break.

Use communication buttons that show various ways to chill out. Let the individual pick the calming activity.

"I can play with my squishy ball."

"I can hide under my weighted blanket."

"I can listen to music."

Record music clips on several Talk About! buttons and mount them in the "chill out" area. Put pictures that represent the type of music on the button. Then the user can choose what to listen to. Free music downloads for educators can be found at sites such as freemusicpublicdomain

Self-Regulation

Individuals with ASD often need reminders throughout the day in order to stay calm and directed. Record a message with calming techniques on communication buttons that the individual can listen to throughout the day.

For more information about Adaptive Equipment For Adults visit here:

https://www.adaptivetechsolutions.com/blog/assistive-technology-for-autism-spectrum-disorders/

 

Portable Wiggle Seats: An Essential Tool for Occupational Therapy

Helpful Devices

Check out our devices that make daily living easier, such as our wireless attendant call buttons that can be activated by a switch to gain the attention of caregivers. Made for people with limited to no hand function.

Portable Wiggle Seat

Kids can be relaxed and stay on task in all of their classes as the built in carry handle allows the wiggle seat sensory cushion to be taken anywhere. Keeps kids stimulated when sitting on chairs, benches, or directly on the floor working from home, in the classroom, or anywhere in between. A great choice for individuals with ADHD, Autism, sensory integration needs, and more.

Quiet Calming and Concentration Booster

Students silently move giving them an outlet for excess energy while working increasing their ability to focus.

Tactile Sensory Integration Aid

Flexible nubs on one side and smaller bumps on the other provide a sensory seat cushion for kids and offer tactile stimulation to help reduce stress.

Perfect Size for Growing Kids

13”/33cm diameter is a great fit for a kid’s seating while being large enough to grow as the child does.

Easy to Use and Adjust to the Right Firmness

Ergonomic, latex-free portable seat cushion disc comes with Easy-Inflation Pump for simple and precise firmness adjustments.

Cause-Effect

Toys listed in the Cause Effect Category are selected because they best facilitate the teaching of basic cause-effect. Cause-Effect is an early language concept where and individuals learns that if they do something, there will be a direct result. Such as, if I press a button, a toy will play. When I stop pressing the button, the toy will stop. Toys that continue to play after a switch is released are not suited for teaching this concept, but are engaging and fun once an individual understands Cause-Effect concept. Cause-Effect is a precursor to language development. Cause-Effect language is important because it allows a person to effectively communicate causative relationships between events.

We have several people who help keep our company running, including a retired Air Force veteran who adapts our devices and the mom of a child with disabilities who provides friendly customer support. Everything we do is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities by creating affordable independence and learning through adapted toys, switches, and specialty devices. It is simply our passion. At our Sand Springs, OK facility we adapt nearly all our products by hand when you place your order. We believe in 'going green', which is why we frequently recycle our shipping boxes. Although the box might be worthy of our "ugly sticker", the goodies inside are carefully packed just for you. And our products come with our 30-day happiness guarantee.

For more information about Toys For Special Children and visit here

https://www.adaptivetechsolutions.com/portable-wiggle-seat/