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Computer Applications and Autism Ranking: Unable to rate

Othernames

Computer programmes
Virtual reality

Issues

We do not yet have an opinion on computer applications as we are still conducting a review of the relevant research literature.

Related Issues

Aims

Different computer applications are designed to do different things. For example, some computer applications are designed to

  • Teach specific skills not associated with autism, such as reading and writing
  • Teach specific, autism-related skills, such as how to recognize emotions
  • Motivate individuals with autism to speak (either to the computer or to another person), to read, or to show and share their achievements.

Related Aims

Claims

There have been various claims made for different computer applications including

  • Computer use offers a flexible, high status means of providing opportunities for people with autism in education, communication, creativity, leisure and employment.
  • However it is important to bear in mind that computers, software and other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) elements are tools which can support other processes in the life of someone with autism.

Related Claims

Adverseeffects

There are a number of potential hazards associated with the use of computer applications for people with autism. For example

  • There are often unrealistically high expectations of what a person with autism may be able to achieve using a computer. It is important to be careful to choose systems that support and enhance someone’s care, education or leisure rather than expect the computer to provide all of the aspects of one part of a person’s life
  • The individual may develop an obsession around the computer or the specific computer application. Some parents and carers have found it very difficult to get their child off the computer once a routine of using it for long periods has been established. It is better to offer limited periods from the start so that you don’t get into a situation where someone is spending a disproportionate amount of time glued to a computer
  • If the computer is linked to the Internet there is a danger that the computer may be vulnerable to technological threats such as viruses, trojans, worms etc. It is essential to ensure the computer is protected with the latest security software.
  • If the computer is linked to the Internet there is a danger that the person with autism may be vulnerable to abuse from other people, including spammers, phishers and paedophiles.

Introduction

Computer Computer applications are a large and diverse group of interventions that can be used to help people with autism.

Computer applications may include computer aided instruction, virtual reality environments, speech generating devices, and online support groups.

Audience

The supporters of computer applications state that they may be suitable for a wide range of people with autism- including autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder (not otherwise specified).

Related Audience

Current Research Studies

We are still in the process of identifying relevant research studies.

Other Reading

  • Altschuler EL. (2007). Play with online virtual pets as a method to improve mirror neuron and real world functioning in autistic children. Med Hypotheses, [Epub ahead of print]. Read Abstract
  • Bernard-Opitz V, Ross K, Tuttas ML. (1990). Computer assisted instruction for autistic children. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 19(5), pp. 611-616. Read Abstract
  • Bolte S. (date?). Computer-based intervention in autism spectrum disorders. In: Ryaskin O.T. ed. Focus on autism research. New York: Nova Biomedical Books, pp. 247-260.
  • Cheng, L. and Kimberly, G. and Orlich, F. (2002). KidTalk: online therapy for Asperger's syndrome. Redmond, WA: Microsoft. Read Full item
  • Cobb S. et al. (2002). Applied virtual environments to support learning of social interaction skills in users with Asperger’s syndrome. Digital Creativity, 13(1), pp. 1-12. Read Abstract
  • Coldwell, R.A. (1995). Artificial intelligence and mute autistic children. Journal of Microcomputer Applications, 18 (4), pp 305-311.
  • Cromby, J. J. et al. (1996). The potentials of virtual environments in the education and training of people with learning disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 40(6), pp. 489-501. Read Abstract
  • el Kaliouby, R., Picard R, and Baron-Cohen. (2006). Affective Computing and Autism. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1093(1), pp. 228-248. Read Abstract
  • Eynon, A. (1997), Computer Interaction: An update on the AVATAR program, Communication, Summer, 1997, p.18
  • Goldsmith T. R. LeBlanc L. A. (2004). Use of technology in interventions for children with autism. Journal of Early and Intensive Behavior Intervention, 1(2), pp. 166-178. Read Full item
  • Herskowitz, V. (2000). Language development software for individuals with autism. Advocate – Newsletter of the Autism Society of America, Inc. Read Full item
  • Herskowitz, V. (1997). How adults with autism utilize their computers. Advocate – Newsletter of the Autism Society of America, Inc. Read Full item
  • Holsbrink-Engels, G.A. (2001) Using a computer learning environment for initial training in dealing with social-communicative problems. British Journal of Educational Technology, 32, 53-67.
  • Keay-Bright, W. (2006). ReActivities: autism and play. Digital Creativity, 17(3), pp. 149-156.
  • Lányi, C.S. and Tilinger, A. (2004). Multimedia and Virtual Reality in the Rehabilitation of Autistic Children. In. Computers Helping People with Special Needs Springer Berlin / Heidelberg, pp. 22-28. Read Abstract
  • Lorence D. (2007). Examining online chat within a domain of uncertainty: the case of Asperger’s syndrome. Health Info Libr J, 24(2), pp. 128-136. Read Abstract
  • Moore, D. J. (1998), Computers and People with Autism/Asperger Syndrome. Communication, pp. 20-21.
  • Moore, D.J., McGrath, P. and Thorpe, J. (2000), Computer aided learning for people with autism – a framework for research and development. Innov. Educ. and Training Intl., 37. Read Abstract
  • Murray, D. K. C. (1997), Autism and information technology: therapy with computers; in Powell, S. & Jordan, R. (Eds.), Autism and Learning: A Guide to Good Practice; David Fulton: London.
  • National Autistic Society. (200?). Computer applications for people with autism London: NAS. Read Full item
  • National Autistic Society, Software for children with autism/Asperger syndrome. Communication, Spring 1999, pp. 13-16.
  • Nimmo, C. Autism and computers. Communication, 1994, Summer, pp. 8-9
  • Panyan. (1984). Computer technology for autistic students. J Autism Dev Disord, 14(4), pp. 375-82. Read Abstract
  • Parsons, S. et al. (2000). Development of social skills amongst adults with Asperger's Syndrome using virtual environments: the 'AS Interactive' project. Read Abstract (PDF document)
  • Parsons S, Mitchell P. (2002). The potential of virtual reality in social skills training for people with autistic spectrum disorders. J Intellect Disabil Res, 46(5), pp. 430-443. Read Abstract
  • Parsons S, Mitchell P, Leonard A. (2004). The use and understanding of virtual environments by adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disorders, 34(4), pp. 449-466. Read Abstract
  • Parsons S, Mitchell P, Leonard A.(2005). Do adolescents with autistic spectrum disorders adhere to social conventions in virtual environments? Autism, 9(1), pp. 95-117. Read Abstract
  • Parsons, S., Leonard, A. & Mitchell, P. (2006). Virtual environments for social skills training: comments from two adolescents with autistic spectrum disorder. Computers & Education, 47, 186-206. Read Abstract
  • Rahamin, L. Using information technology to support learners with autism. Greenwich: Centre for Micro-Assisted Communication, 1997.
  • Rajendran, G., & Mitchell, P. (2000). Computer mediated interaction in Asperger's syndrome: The Bubble Dialogue program. Computers and Education, 35, 189-207.
  • Randell, T et al. (2007). DTkid: Interactive simulation software for training tutors of children with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(4), pp. 637-647. Read Abstract
  • Strategies for Creating Inclusive Programmes of Study. (2007). Computing and autistic spectrum disorders. Worcester: SCIPS. Read Full item
  • Strickland, D. (1996). A virtual reality application with autistic children. Presence: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments, 5, 319-329.
  • Strickland, D. et al. (1996). Brief report: Two case studies using virtual reality as a learning tool for autistic children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 26, 651-659. Read Abstract
  • Strickland D. (1997). Virtual reality for the treatment of autism. Stud Health Technol Inform, 44, pp. 81-6. Read Abstract
  • Strickland, B. Virtual reality for the treatment of autism. In: in G. Riva, ed. Virtual reality in Neuro-Psycho-Physiology. Amsterdam: Ios Press, 1998.
  • Stromer R. et al. (2006). Activity schedules, computer technology and teaching children with autism spectrum disorders. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 21(1), pp. 14-24. Read Abstract
  • Trepagnier, C.G. (1999). Virtual environments for the investigation and rehabilitation of cognitive and perceptual impairments. NeuroRehabilitation, 12, 63-72. Read Abstract

Related Other Reading

Keywords

Application Applications Artificial Avtar Avtars Collaborate Collaboration Collaborative Computer Computers Cyberspace CVE Environment Interact Interactive IT ITC Online Program Programme Programmes Programs Reality Software SVE Virtual VE VR VRE Website Websites

Introduction

We are still in the process of researching the detail of how different computer applications are used.

Updated
13 Mar 2014
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