Autism+Visual+Learners

Autism: Visual Learners There are many devices and interactives for autistic children to use, but are hard to find, time consuming to make, and the cost is from high to low. Autistic children need structure and a routine so that they are not overwhelmed with change everyday. They are not socially able to cope with random changes in their routine like others. Most autistic children depending on what end of the spectrum they fall have a schedule that may be a velcro picture system so that when they finish a certain part of their day they can place it in the "done" folder to assure that they have finished the task. Teachers must find these pictures, print them, laminate them, and velcro them in some way so that the students can place them where they need them to go. This is a very long process especially when you have multiple kids.

An online software called Vizzle has all the interactive manipulatives you need to use on the computer or iPads. This program was especially designed for visual learners and is "evidence-based on research done by a team from Children’s Hospital Boston/ Harvard Medical School, Vizzle embodies the ideals of Universal Design for Learning". Teachers benefit from this because of the easy to share materials, administrators can easily view and analyze data. Students are getting individualized learning help for what they need to help them succeed. Students will also benefit from their enhanced engagement on the technology devices rather than paper and tangibles, but those can be used for other things and areas.

Some barriers with this may be over stimulation from the bright pictures and sounds. Also, use of the computer or iPad. To help with these barriers the color can be dimmed so it is not so bright and sounds can be to a volume that will not negatively affect the students learning. Some autistic children do not have the motor skills to work a computer so assistance from an aid, teacher, or student would help. Also, those students may benefit from using the iPad to tap the pictures and screen rather than clicking using a mouse.

References:

Monarch Teaching Technology Inc. (2013-2014)

http://www.monarchteachtech.com/vizzle/