People With Autism Benefit From New Technologies

Tools

by Jenna Caiazzo
by Photojournalist Terrence Walker

Story Created: Sep 20, 2012 at 9:37 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 21, 2012 at 12:09 AM EDT

CHARLOTTE - These adults with autism are learning faster than ever before. Janice Scerri Hopper 10 says, "So they're ability to catch on for some of them has been astounding and rewarding." Janice Scerri Hopper is a speech pathologist. She's learned that people with disabilities learn best when they see and hear something.

New technology is helping to speed that along. Hopper says, "I've been amazed at where they can navigate from the opening page, to turning on the app." A North Carolina dad developed an app for his disabled son called Verbal Victor, to help identify and communicate with him. Hopper says, "They are wonderful because its parents who use them, and know what their needs are." The Autism Services of Mecklenburg County has been using apps like this. That allow a person with a disability to click on an image to verbalize a command.

Marc Phillips is the director of Autism services in Mecklenburg County. A grant paid for 10 Ipads that are used in various group homes. Phillips says they're a big help. Phillips says, "They don't communicate well, they don't understand what other people are trying to communicate."

 

 

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