Assistive Technology for Individuals With Asperger's Syndrome

Asperger's syndrome may cause various difficulties, but a common feature is problems relating to others. Assistive technology may be helpful. It is designed to help people with disabilities function more independently. This ranges from low-tech devices to advanced computer programs.

Evaluations

• Assistive technology can be especially useful in an educational setting. An evaluation from school can help identify technology that may assist the student with Asperger's syndrome in the classroom. An occupational therapist can evaluate assistive technology needs in the home setting.

Handwriting

• Poor motor coordination in Asperger's syndrome may result in difficulty with handwriting. Word processors or devices to correct pencil positioning can help the individual with written forms of communication.

Social Skills

• Difficulty understanding social cues such as facial expressions can create problems with social interactions. Assistive technology software and videos that model appropriate social behavior and give facial-recognition practice may be especially beneficial.

Considerations

• Technology should always assist the individual. If it is cumbersome or gets in the way of functioning, then it is no longer useful.