Every child in America deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and that includes children with autism. This right extends to their education, where they should be supported in a way that fosters their unique strengths and addresses any challenges they may face. Thankfully, there are federal laws in place that guarantee a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students, including those with autism. This means your child has the right to an individualized education plan (IEP) tailored to their specific needs. One exciting aspect of these plans can be the inclusion of technology for students with autism. Technology can help students with autism improve their social, learning, and video skills. It can also help reinforce speech and language therapies, and improve visual, fine motor, and life skills.
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Early Intervention Services (EI)
Integrating technology for students with autism has now become more crucial than ever, especially in ensuring the effectiveness of Early Intervention Services (EI) provided under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law grants states the resources to set up early intervention programs specifically for children under three years old who experience developmental delays – all at no cost if the child is eligible. This initiative is vital in providing the essential support that children with autism and school-related challenges need starting from a young age.
Incorporating technology designed for students with autism in EI programs can greatly enhance their learning experience and facilitate the development of crucial skills. Here’s a quick summary of what EI through IDEA offers:
- Support for children under 3 years with developmental delays
- No-cost services if the child is eligible
- An effective way to introduce technology for students with autism
- Assistance in navigating autism and school-related challenges
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
By providing early access to appropriate technologies, students with autism can greatly benefit from tailored educational tools that address their unique needs and empower them to succeed both academically and beyond. Some of these Early Intervention Services include speech and language instruction, occupational therapy, physical therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and psychological evaluation.
Read More: Visual Schedules for Students with Autism
Extended School Year Services
If there is evidence that your child with autism experiences regression in skills learned at school while on break, he or she may be entitled to Extended School Year Services. These services would be provided during breaks, like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even Summer, to ensure your child does not experience any regression. One thing to note is that this service does not work in teaching your child a new concept, rather only for reteaching concepts they have already learned.
Assistive Technology
Technology has become such a useful tool for everyone, and it’s amazing to see new assistive technologies develop every year. These are specially designed to aid individuals with autism or any other special need. And what’s even better is that they can be a game changer for better comprehension in the classroom. If your child’s school has any of these assistive technologies, you should definitely encourage them to use it. It’s their right, after all!
Read More: Classroom Activities for a Nonverbal Autistic Child
Since we are talking about assistive technology, it’s only fair to mention one of the most advanced options out there. That assistive technology being Goally! With Goally’s top notch features, you can do fun activities like puzzles to tracking behaviors! The behavior tracker and visual schedule is especially helpful for kids with special needs. It will help them learn quicker and the images provide visual stimulation needed to fully comprehend. There is a point system that awards good behavior and discourages bad behavior. This will give your child an incentive to do the right thing every time.Â
Goally | Visual Scheduler for Autism
Does your child struggle with getting ready in the morning independently? Goally’s routine app on the best tablet for kids breaks down large tasks into small, achievable steps for autistic kids. Create custom routines with your own videos & pictures for every step.
Final Thoughts on Technology For Students With Autism
In conclusion, understanding and advocating for your child’s rights in school, particularly in utilizing technology for students with autism, is essential to fostering a supportive and successful learning experience. Early Intervention Services, Extended School Year Services, and Assistive Technology are valuable tools designed to address the distinctive needs of children with autism. Tools like Goally can also be instrumental in improving behavior and maintaining daily routines. Don’t hesitate to explore these resources and ensure your child’s educational journey is both engaging and empowering, as every child deserves a chance to thrive in their unique way.
FAQs About Autism and School
What is autism and how does it affect children in school? Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's ability to communicate, socialize and behave appropriately. In school, it can lead to challenges with learning and interacting with peers and teachers. What are some effective teaching strategies for children with autism? Some effective teaching strategies for children with autism include visual aids, routine-based learning, structured activities, and positive reinforcement. Can assistive technology help children with autism in the classroom? Yes, assistive technology can be a valuable tool for children with autism in the classroom. It can help them communicate, stay organized, and access learning materials more easily. How can schools support children with autism? Schools can support children with autism by providing individualized education plans, specialized instruction, and access to support services such as speech therapy and occupational therapy. What are some common misconceptions about autism? Some common misconceptions about autism include that it is caused by bad parenting or vaccines, that all individuals with autism are the same, and that it can be cured. This post was originally published on 06/21/2021. It was updated on 03/21/2024.
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