There are many different types of assistive technology and educational software programs available to help students with special needs. These software programs are well-designed to help students perform tasks that they may not easily accomplish on their own, such as the following: communication, executive functioning, and social interactions.
Communication
Children with autism often have low communication skills. Some don’t have the ability to talk at all, while most are unable to understand facial expressions or body language. A person may respond to spoken words, sign language, or hand movements, but not with eye contact. Technology like educational & social robot for kids that provides communication support, such as speech-to-text or text-to-speech software can empower individuals with autism to express their thoughts and ideas with others.
Executive Functioning
Individuals with autism that lack the ability to follow a plan can use assistive technology. A visual schedule can help a child or adult with autism to organize tasks throughout the day and keep them on schedule.
Simple organization charts or innovative apps can include unique images or symbols to remind the users of their daily routine.
Using technology that aids their executive functioning skills can be a critical tool to support an individual with autism in managing and completing daily tasks and goals.
Social Skills
Many individuals with autism have neurological differences in their interpretation and understanding of social interactions, which can result in difficulties relating to others, disinterest in social situations, differences in communication styles, and engaging in activities repetitively. Assistive devices can teach social skills they can accomplish one step at a time and help them improve along the way through practice and repetition.