Tools and resources for helping children with autism seem to be multiplying, and for parents, it can be both a blessing and a frustration. How can you know what will work best for your child, and how best to implement them? Unfortunately, there’s not always a clear cut answer. That’s why it is best to work with a professional who can help develop an individualized plan for your child’s success.
New breakthroughs in technology make achieving new milestones even more reachable for our children. Here’s a breakdown of the newest innovations and how they can help:
1. Devices for Data Collection
Information collection has gone completely digital, and not just in the ABA realm. All types of therapy, different branches of medicine, and education now rely on devices and digital recorders to accurately collect and store data.
Wearable devices, monitors, fitness trackers, and mobile apps are some of the most common data collection resources that have replaced the pen and notepad. Board certified clinicians can use these tools to help them monitor a child’s progress and notate important changes.
3. AI and Machines
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to be prevalent in various industries, including ABA therapy. Clinicians can use AI to continually monitor input from individuals and create a hyper-specific learning program that meets your child exactly where they are. Additionally, machine learning, which often uses robots, has been proven to help children with autism remain focused on tasks and engaged in lessons. A recent study showed that when a child’s attention naturally drifts, the robot was able to keep them engaged in learning and promote more awareness.
4. Mobile Apps
Think of how much you routinely rely on applications to keep your schedule, maintain social contact, and even track your health data.
New mobile apps can be used to help guide children with autism to complete tasks, engage socially, and learn new communication skills. These are particularly helpful because they can be used both at home and at your child’s ABA learning center, which helps keep them familiar and accessible to your child.
How It’s Helping
Anytime there is a technological breakthrough there’s always a bit of skepticism about whether or not it will truly be beneficial. Technological advances in ABA therapy help by:
- Keeping your child’s plan personal. The new innovations in ABA therapy combined with continued exploration into how autism affects the mind and body. This makes it possible for us to customize a learning and development plan for each child that is unique and easily changeable.
- Being more efficient. The less time a board certified clinician spends manually entering notes, the more time they can spend working directly with your child. Data recorders, digital note taking, and recordkeeping make it much more efficient for clinicians and therapists to spend more time with their individual children.
Technology and Your Child
Your child can thrive and advances in technology can help them. Partnering with Stride Autism Centers can help give you access to the latest advancements and ensure your child has fun while learning and adapting with the inclusion of these technologies.
Brad Zelinger is Founder and CEO at Stride Autism Centers.
Sources:
Technology to Facilitate Telehealth in Applied Behavior Analysis – PMC
