Technology is Changing Education

It used to be difficult to find practical information about how to educate children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Now, with the possibilities provided by the internet, there are many sites for both parents and teachers to find explanations about what is difficult for children with ASD, and how to help.

There is a website called autismgames.googlepages.com where the challenges of ASD are laid out in parent-friendly language, and games are explained that will help develop social communication skills. Here is an excerpt:

Reciprocity is where two people intentionally interact, for example when you call your child and your child answers; when your child requests a teddy and you provide that toy; when you give your child something to eat and your child refuses that food; when your child comes in crying and you say, Aw Honey, what happened?

Playing these [specified] games often helps to establish reciprocity with children who otherwise ignore, run away, or avoid interacting. The first goal is to teach your child some of these games. Then the goal is to teach your child to request these games or at least willingly and independently come to play these games when you offer the opportunity....Identify in your mind what your child must do and what you must do to keep the game going and if there is a clear role for you both, this is a good reciprocity game.

And even better, the website includes video clips of people modeling how to play these games, making it much easier to try out at home. Here is a clip of a reciprocity game.