Technology

Research indicates that children with autism are drawn to computers as well as other screen media. For example, Shane & Albert* found that: children on the autism spectrum have extensive interest in computers, television and video; animated characters are more interesting than human figures; and, the majority of children spend more time with electronic media than with all other forms of play combined. Moore & Calvert** reported that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder were attentive to a computer-generated lesson 97% of the time (learning 74% of the targeted nouns) but attentive to a teacher-directed lesson only 62% of the time (learning 41% of the targeted nouns). Parental reports are supported by studies that have effectively taught problem-solving skills, social scripts, and communication skills through the use of computers and/or videotapes.*** Videotapes have also been used to teach conversational skills, and to present scenarios of individuals performing functional skills across various settings in the community.