Technology-Aided Intervention and Robotics for ASD

For more pictures, click HERE.

Here is another session that I attended at the SC Council for Exceptional Children Conference in Myrtle Beach. The presenter was Lisa Raiford , a SC- OSES Education Associate in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

1.     27 Evidence-based Supports (EBPs) for ASD (handout)

2.     Considering Robotics as a separate category

3.     Technology-Aided Instruction and Intervention

a.     Chromebooks,

b.     Phone

c.     Augmented speaking device

4.     TAII Devices

a.     iPad, tablets

b.     computers

c.     smart phones

d.     laptops

e.     talk to text devices

f.      microswitch

g.     Alexa/Google Home

5.     Computers may be able to break into the autism world by focusing an individual’s attention tunnel on a screen, taking away other interfering interactions

6.     Individuals with ASD are comfortable in Predictable situations and TAIIs can provide this

7.     Computers may benefit the self-awareness and self-esteem of those with ASD

8.     Computer programs for ASD should exhibit highly structured environments.

9.     TAII: 2 Types

a.     Assistive tool which is used indefinitely

b.     Temporary instructional – removed once the goal of behavior change has been met

10.  Examples of TAII as Assistive Tools

a.     A student uses video prompts to follow daily living skills

b.     A Student uses a smartphone to prompt him to record homework assignments

c.     Student uses tablet app to keep track of daily schedule of school or work

11.  Examples of Temporary

a.     Social skills story on tablet

b.     Prompting systems to remind of facial expression

12.  Which TAII to use

a.     Student characteristics

b.     Activity for which it will be used

c.     Technology features, ease of use, and reliability

d.     Context in which the technology will be used (home, school, work)

13.  ASD and Apps

a.     Look for evidence-based practices being used

b.     Look for appropriate functional and skill level

c.     Can the student select, slide, or make finger movements necessary to manipulate screen?

a.     Can the student read/comprehend?

b.     Does the student have any sensory needs?

c.     Is this app useful in other settings?

d.     Does the student have access to use the app on the device when needed?

14.  Benefits of Robotics and ASD

a.     Robotics can allow presentation of a simplified social environment and gradual increase in the complexity of social interactions

b.     Can be used to teach basic social interaction skills using turn taking and imitation games

c.     The use of robots as mediators and as objects of shared attention

15.  Aurora Project Theory

16.  University of Southern California Study Conclusions

17.  Robots Used for ASD Therapy

18.  Ask Nao (2008)

a.     Created by Aldebara Robotics

b.     58cm in height and is an autonomous, programmable humanoid robot

19.  Keepon (2011)

a.     Developed by Dr. Hideki Kozima and Dr. Marek Michalowski of Beat Bots

b.     Used to study social development and autism

20.  Robota (2017)

a.     Assists teachers in mentoring special children

b.     Capable of identifying a student in a class that is having signs of distress. The AI assistant approaches the student and asks if everything is alright

c.     Robot converts the dialog into a text

21.  Milo (2015)

a.     Clinically and evidence-based

b.     Robots4autism curriculum implemented via humanoid robot

c.     Children were engaged with Milo 87% of the time

22.  Robots have been used since the 1980s and only recently for ASD

23.  Research is limited but showing promising outcomes

24.  Tends to focus on emotional regulation vs. communication or behavior

25.  Provide a simplified safe and predicable and reliable environment

26.  Milo and Robots4Autism Curriculum

a.     Consists of 103 lessons on social skills behavior and emotional regulation and communication

27.  EBP with Milo

a.     Robots as tech aided instruction

b.     Social narratives

c.     Video modeling

d.     Visual supports

e.     Natural modeling

f.      Prompting verbal and visual

g.     Reinforcement of target behaviors

h.     Social skills training

28.  Technology Challenges

a.     Wi-Fi – strength, dedicated access points and needs to sit right next to the router

b.     Equipment – cost, type, abilities, responsibilities

c.     Programs – apps, access, accounts

d.     Privacy – make sure you know where the data is going

e.     How to Plan for Technology

f.      Get all of the tech info from the manufacturer

g.     Work closely with your IT dept.

h.     Make sure to have appropriate Wi-Fi levels

Original photo by Pat Hensley

-->