The Important Role of Technology in Communicating With Individuals With Autism

The role of technology in communicating with Autistic individuals is an alternative for people with Autism in their recovery process. In today's technological era, there is a lot of involvement in technology and communication to help individuals with Autism in their daily lives. For children with Autism, one of the technological devices that can help them communicate is a tablet computer. But keep in mind, the role of parents in it is vital. 

Technology and information can integrate video and visual elements for individuals with Autism, all of which can stimulate the development of abilities in children with Autism. As explained above, tablet computers can function as therapeutic tools. The benefits of tablet computers can improve children's learning skills, including self-direct learning and increasing social involvement and interaction. Children with Autism have more profound visual abilities and find learning easier using abstract images or writing. The following are examples of applications that can be used to help children with Autism:

The Look at Me Application

AChildren with Autism generally have difficulty maintaining eye contact with their partners. So from this, Samsung released an Android application called Look At Me, to help the child maintain eye contact with other people in front of them. This app also provides insight to people who previously did not fully understand the complexities of Autism. This application uses photos, facial recognition technology, and several game features that can be played for 15 to 20 minutes. This application also uses the camera feature to teach children to express themselves through the input provided. The child can also capture their body poses and their facial expressions.

Also Read: Accompanying Individuals with Autism in the Transition to High School

Before releasing this application, Samsung collaborated with scientists consisting of doctors and professors from Seoul National University and Yonsei University. This research was conducted on 20 children with Autism for eight weeks. The results concluded that 60% of all these children showed improvement in eye contact. They can also identify emotional expressions more efficiently, such as joy, surprise, or fear.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Game Therapy Application

This application was created by three students majoring in Information Technology and Computer Science Programs from Brawijaya University. This game can be used as therapy for children with Autism. This tool uses a sensor like the Kinect, also used on the Xbox or Wii U. There are three games: Catch The Jellyfish, Falling Party, and Go Fishing. In the Catch The Jellyfish game, the child must catch the passing jellyfish using his right hand. For the second game, Falling Party, the child must use his left and right arrows to catch the fish falling from above. As for the third game, Go Fishing, and the child must choose a fish whose color matches the order issued.

This game can help concentration and focus, not only in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (ADHD) but also in children with Autism who usually have difficulty concentrating. In addition, this game can help the cognitive development of the child as well. This application has won a gold medal in the game category at the Gemastik 6 competition.

Smartstones Touch Device

This tool makes it easier for people to connect or communicate with their family or anyone they care about. This tool can also track location and can be a reminder. Smartstones Touch users only need to do a simple tap, swipe atau shake to send messages to recipients. The Smartstones Touch will also light up and vibrate on the receiving end. The color of the light also varies. This communication tool connects with those we care about from anywhere. Smartstones Touch can be connected to devices with an internet connection, such as cellphones, tablet computers, or laptops.

The role of technology in communicating with autistic individuals helps us live life, especially between parents and their children. However, keep in mind that the use of this electronic device requires strict supervision from parents, as well as clear restrictions regarding the time it is used to its role in helping daily life. Accompany your child when he is using electronic devices.