Teaching Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders Using Electronic Screen Media
By Kim, Matthew; Schwartz, Johana; ConnSENSE Bulletin, Vol. 8, No. 2Publication Date: May 2006
Article focuses on a project conducted at the Children’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts to determine if children with autism spectrum disorders can learn language and communicate more effectively via observational learning techniques. Observational learning techniques, which are also known as video modeling, utilize images on a screen. One image is an animated character named “Champ,” which serves as a live conversational partner. The researchers found that they can use such applications to help improve communication skills, including eye contact. Also, the researchers used Champ to model practical tasks of daily living and encourage imitation. The animated character can act out tasks such as opening a refrigerator, as children with autism often find verbalized instructions to be too abstract and difficult to follow. A complete summary of the research findings are presented.
Published by: ConnSENSE (Connecticut's Special Education Network for Software Evaluation) (Website:http://www.connsensebulletin.com)
NEAT (New England Assistive Technology) Marketplace (Web Site: http://www.neatmarketplace.org )
A.J. Pappanikou Center for Developmental Disabilities (Web Site: http://www.uconnucedd.org )
Connecticut Tech Act Project (Web Site: http://www.cttechact.com )
Link to text: http://www.connsensebulletin.com/wbshane.html
