Autism and the Writing Process

Overview:	Autism is a life-long developmental disability that prevents people from  understanding what they see, hear, and otherwise sense. This results in  severe problems with social relationships, communication, and  behaviour.  Most signs or characteristics of autism are evident in the areas of speech or    communication (verbal and non-verbal). Many of the signs or symptoms of autism begin presenting themselves between 2 and 6 years of age.
Writing Supports:	- teachers or speech language pathologists may also work on language-based aspects of writing to help learners build comprehension and spoken expression (develop programs to improve speech goals).  - as students write in any word processor, email program, or on the Internet, Co:Writer uses context clues and common spelling information to "predict" the words students try to write even when they spell them phonetically or inventively (such as writing the word 'elephant' as 'lfont'). These predictions are offered in a list that Co:Writer reads out loud. When students hear the right word, they choose the word from a list and that word is sent to the writing application.              - a portable keyboard such as AlphaSmart or Quick Pad provides students an alternate method for articulation in writing assignments. Students will generate more complete ideas to ultimately create a first draft to final copy.  - graphic organizers provide a visual tool for students to formulate ideas, plan research and brainstorm in a short organized format. - Kidspiration encourages children to express themselves and express their thoughts with this program that allows them to grasp new concepts and begin to categorize, brainstorm and organize their thoughts in a natural way. Kidspiration has two viewing screens: Picture View and Writing View. Picture View makes it easy for pupils to see their ideas and information visually, taking advantage of the principles of visual learning, allowing pupils to represent their ideas using symbols. Simple maps, webs and other visual learning diagrams are contained within a library of over 1,200 images. Audio also plays a role within this program, pupils can hear their work read aloud or record their own words. All menus, buttons and other text are audio supported as well, helping children to read and navigate with confidence. Writing View integrates with Picture View to help children connect their ideas with words, as emerging readers learn about planning and organizing for writing.
Apps:	Pictello - is an easy-to-use way to create "storybooks" or talking photo albums from the images in your device's photo library. You choose a picture for each page, type in text, and can either have that text read by a computerized narrator, or record yourself reading it. It feels like it should be a complicated process, but it incredibly easy to learn and use, even for kids. Know that your photo books can be shared, either as emailed iTunes files, or via Pictello's universal server. You need to provide an email to join Pictello, but other users can only download your photo books if you give them a code. Kids can write stories based around their personal photos and hear those stories read aloud by a narrator. Or they can record themselves reading the text. Misspelled words will be marked as you write, and suggestions made for correcting them. In addition to the obvious reading and writing benefits, the app give kids a chance to learn about story structure. Price: $14.99 Language Builder is designed to help children accomplish the following educational goals: 1) Improve sentence ideation  2) Improve sentence formation and 3) Improve receptive and expressive language. Extensive use of audio clips promotes improved auditory processing for special needs children with autism spectrum disorders or sensory processing disorders. Auditory playback of child's voice offers reinforcement for language development. Price: $3.99
For More Information:	http://www.autismcoach.com/Software%20Overview.htm  (Special Software for Special Kids) http://www.disaboom.com/assistive-technology-general/assistive-technology-for-autism (Assistive Technology for Autism: Available at All Costs and for All Levels) http://www.autismcoach.com/Assistsive%20Technology%20Overview.htm (Computer Assistive Technology for Autism Overview)