Autism is neural development disorder that causes problems such as lack of social interaction and communication. Persons with this disorder have repetitive and restricted behavior. In many cases people with autism cannot understand verbal communications, so they are taught to speak using various materials, devices and drawings. There are many methods of autism therapies that help to increase communication skills.
Using PECS to Communicate
PECS is an acronym for Picture Exchange Communication System. This system is used to communicate with children that have autism or other special needs. The system works through pictures. A person who has a disorder touches or gives pictures to his partner. The pictures illustrate actions or things, that disordered person wants to say. After some time these pictures can be used to form a sentences of phrases. The picture language is very important for persons, who have problems with verbal communication. It helps them to learn language.
Using New Technologies
The iPad was released by Apple Inc. in 2010. The iPad is a tablet PC with 9.7 inch screen. It weighs 1.5 pounds and can be easily used because it has multi-touch screen and wide viewing angle. Because it is very light and thick, the iPad is easy to carry and use even for children.
The iPad uses iMean technology. This technology transfers the pad into a huge visible keyboard. It is very easy to type using this technology because of the touch screen capabilities. Also this technology suggest a dictionary, that gives you words you may want to say using the first letters or other parts of the words. Because of these features this technology can be applied to autism therapies. However, this is a new technology and all advantages and disadvantages are not known. The iMean was created by M.Begmann and R.M.Miller. Despite the fact that Bergmann’s son has autistic disorder, this technology must be used very carefully.