Discover How Computers Will Help Children With Autism

Autistic children have a disability that results from abnormal development or communication skills, social skill deficits and reasoning. Many characteristics include lack of eye contract, repetition of words, phrases, tantrums, anger outbursts, inability to express verbally, insensitivity to pain, not formulating complete sentences, finding loud noises and bright lights to disrupt their routine. In addition, most do not like being cuddled or hugged.

Due to these facts, it has been determined that children with autism and young adults who have this disorder, find working on computers to be therapeutic and educational.

Teaching children with autism how to use a computer, may seem overwhelming or difficult. It is not difficult. These individuals enjoy the computer, for the fact, it gives them an opportunity to learn how to play games, see pictures, learn music, watch videos from newsworthy web sights, write short e-mail letters to their parents and friends. It takes some patience to teach them, but most are willing to learn and have the desire to want to understand how to use computers.

Computers help in assisting autistic children gain self-confidence, it draws them out their isolated environment, and it teaches them to follow instructions that open new challenges and opportunities for them to grow.
Purchasing a computer for an individual with autism, depends on their needs, desires and at what level the person is at, with their age and their disorder.

One must take into consideration that the computer should have a large key board, with visible letters, numbers, lap top computers are usually an excellent choice. In addition, simplicity of the construction is a must, not complex looking that contains confusing accessories. Keep it simple, but fun looking.

It is wise to purchase some variations of software that contains games, that the child with autism would enjoy and understand. If they enjoy cartoons, history, music, reading, numbers, and sports, try the software on the computer and allow the child to become familiar with what shows on the computer screen.

As the individual with autism becomes more proficient with the computer, you can upgrade it to perform other tasks. In the future, you could even purchase a printer and show them how to print data, and use a digital camera and other accessories, that would make it more challenging for the person.

One of the advantages of using a computer for children with autism, is, it can help with replacing pen and paper, concentrate longer, better eye-hand coordination, show a desire to be more verbal, expressive, and communicate in a positive way. It can increase their interest and motivation, and teach them to be self-starters.

Be patient with the individual who has the disorder of autism, when teaching them how to use a computer. Make it fun, enjoyable, and it will benefit your child and you.

Autism and Flying

If we are honest I think we will all admit that travelling anywhere with any child can be testing at some point during the journey. Travelling with an Autistic child can be even more testing. Not just for the parents or the child but for those people travelling around them. The question is what can you as a parent do to make your journey that little bit easier?

Parents will already have a plan in place to prepare their child for the Airport so we wont be going into to much detail about that here rather our focus will be on the actual Airport process and the flights.

Airport Parking

Most people who live any distance from the airport will probably use a form of airport parking, so it makes sense for your airport experience to begin by planning the type of airport parking you will be using. Children with Autism dependent on what part of the Spectrum they are one will probably struggle to deal with social interaction to some degree. By choosing a park and ride option you will either have to get on a dedicated transfer coach with lots of other people or have to wait around for the transfer coach that circulates on an on going basis. Both of these options are not very Autism friendly due to the fact that there will be a lot of waiting around and interaction with other people.

The alternative option to park and ride is what is know as meet and greet parking. This method is much more Autism friendly as it enables you and your family to drive directly to the airport and have your vehicle collected from the terminal you are departing from. By choosing this method you will avoid any waiting around and will definitely not subject your child to any unnecessary social interaction.

Easy Check In

Its worth checking with your airline if they have an express check in service. If they do then you will be able to check in online before you arrive at the airport this speeding the whole check in procedure aling vastly. If you can use the express check in service all you will have to do upon arriving at the airport is join the express check in queue which moves greatly faster than the other queues as all you are in effect doing is off loading your luggage.

Med Seats

Each aircraft has what are known as Med seats (medical seats) which the aircraft staff can allocate at their discretion upon departure. I would recommend calling the airline well ahead of your journey and explain to them that your child is Autistic and it would be in everybody’s interests if you could be allocated the med seats at the front of the aircraft. The reason why these seats are good is because they reduce the stimulation that will inevitably surround your child.

This will hopefully keep them calm enough and prevent any tantrums that would of course affect everybody else on the plane. It is worth mentioning this when trying to secure your seats as ultimately if they allow you to have them it will make everybody’s life easier especially the cabin crew.

Knowledge is power

The final piece of advice is down to the parents and how they feel at the time. It is advisable and nice if when sitting down you inform the cabin crew and surrounding passengers of your child’s condition. You don’t have to go into great detail about it but generally people are more understanding if they know why things are happening and by you knowing they know the stress levels will be lower.

Unfortunately queueing at airports is inevitable but the more phone calls you make before you travel the easier your journey will be.