Technologies That Support Autistic People

In an increasingly digital world, technology has become more than just a tool for work or entertainment; for many autistic people, it is a powerful enabler that can transform daily life. When used thoughtfully, technology offers innovative solutions to support communication, organisation, learning, and well-being.

But is technology just about games and social media? For the autistic community, it can be a vital bridge, helping to navigate a world that is not always built with their needs in mind. This article explores the diverse ways technology can be used to empower autistic people, their families, and the professionals who support them.

Enhancing Communication

One of the most significant ways technology can assist is by providing alternative and augmentative ways to communicate. For people who find verbal speech challenging, unreliable, or exhausting, these tools can be liberating.

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  This term describes the different methods that can supplement or replace speech. Modern AAC often takes the form of apps on tablets or smartphones. These tools can enable people to express themselves beyond basic needs, share their personality, and access education more effectively.

• Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs)

  Sometimes known as 'voice boxes', these can be dedicated devices or apps that produce speech from a collection of stored words and symbols. This allows a person to build sentences and participate in conversations they might otherwise be excluded from.

• Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)

  Originally a physical card system, PECS is now widely available in digital formats. A person can select pictures or symbols on a screen to build sentences and communicate their wants and needs, which is particularly helpful for developing communication and social initiation skills.

• Written Communication

  For some, the pressure of a real-time verbal conversation is overwhelming. Using text messages or emails allows for more time to process information and formulate a response, reducing anxiety and leading to clearer communication.

Support for Organisation and Executive Functioning

Executive functioning-the mental skills that include planning, time management, and organising tasks-can be an area of challenge for many autistic people. But how can technology help tame the chaos of daily planning?

• Visual Schedules and Planners

  A predictable routine can be very calming. Digital calendars and planner apps can be used to create clear, visual schedules for the day or week, often incorporating pictures or symbols to make the routine easier to understand and follow. Knowing what is coming next helps to reduce anxiety.

• Visual Timers

  Tasks like transitioning from one activity to another can be a source of stress. Visual timers, which show the passage of time graphically rather than with numbers, can make this process more predictable and less anxious. This could be a sand timer or a dedicated app on a phone or tablet.

• Task Management and Reminders

  Technology can help break big, overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. To-do list apps can create checklists, while digital assistants like Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri can be asked to set reminders for appointments, medication, or even just to take a break.

Aiding Learning and Skill Development

Technology offers flexible and engaging ways to learn, which can be tailored to an autistic person's specific learning style. Many autistic people are strong visual learners, and technology is exceptionally good at presenting information in this way.

• Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations

  These tools are used to help a person understand what to expect in a particular social situation. Digital versions on a tablet or computer can be used to prepare for a new event, like a hospital visit or starting a new job, helping to reduce anxiety by explaining what might happen in a clear, visual format.

• Access to Special Interests

  The internet provides an unparalleled resource for autistic people to explore their special interests in great depth. This can foster a huge amount of knowledge and expertise, which is a source of great joy, satisfaction, and can even lead to employment opportunities.

Managing Sensory Needs and Well-being

The sensory world can often feel overwhelming for autistic people. Technology can provide a degree of control over one's sensory environment, making it more comfortable and less stressful.

• Noise-Cancelling Headphones

  For people who are hyper-sensitive to sound, noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs can be an essential tool. They reduce overwhelming background noise in environments like schools, workplaces, or on public transport, helping to prevent sensory overload and improve focus.

• Calming and Sensory Apps

  A smartphone or tablet can become a portable sensory toolkit. There are numerous apps designed to provide calming sensory input, such as white noise generators, apps that play soothing nature sounds, or visual apps that display gentle, repeating patterns like a digital lava lamp.

• Smart Home Technology

  Digital assistants can be used to control aspects of the home environment. For example, a person can ask their device to dim the lights or adjust the heating, giving them direct control over sensory inputs that might otherwise cause discomfort.

Building Social Connections Safely

While social interaction can sometimes be challenging, many autistic people desire connection and friendship. Technology can offer a way to connect with others in a more controlled and less overwhelming environment.

• Online Communities and Forums

  The internet is home to many vibrant and supportive autistic communities. These online spaces allow people to connect with others who have shared lived experiences, ask for advice, and feel understood, which can greatly reduce feelings of isolation.

• A Note on Online Safety

  While online communities can be wonderful, it is vital to be aware of online safety. It is important not to share too much personal information and to be aware that not everyone online has good intentions. Understanding how to stay safe online is crucial for a positive experience.

Technology as a Personalised Tool

From an app that speaks for you to headphones that quieten a loud world, technology offers a vast and growing range of supports. It is not a cure or a one-size-fits-all solution, but a customisable toolkit. The true power of technology lies in its ability to be tailored to the unique needs, preferences, and strengths of each autistic person.

By embracing these tools thoughtfully, we can help empower autistic people to learn, communicate, and navigate the world with greater confidence and comfort.