Assistive technology and Asperger Syndrome
“Autism is not a disability, it’s a different ability,” said Stuart Duncan, owner and writer of a popular autism blog Autism from a Father’s Point of View.
According to the Autism Society, Asperger Syndrome affects 1 out of every 110 children.
Recently placed under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Asperger’s is recognized as a high functioning form of autism with unique social, emotional and intellectual character distinctions.
Jeff Szmyr, Disability Services consultant at Humber College, said stress and anxiety can run high in a post-secondary environment making support crucial for students with Asperger Syndrome.
“In high school many have had a lot of regular support—either modifications or someone extra in the classroom to help interpret situations. Now they’re left to their own devices,” said Szmyr.
The Asperger’s Society of Ontario states that without diagnosis, support and intervention, those diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as well as their families may struggle to understand their puzzling profile of strengths and deficits.
Szmyr said support is now more readily available than ever thanks in large part to assistive technology.
“A lot of our students tend to prefer using a computer and some form of note taking support like Livescribe pens.”
According to Szmyr, if a professor says a certain word, they may get stuck on that word which could trigger other memories, easily changing their train of thought.
The multifunction pens help students catch parts of the lecture they could have missed; capturing everything they hear and write.
According to Michelle Ryan, an Asperger’s consultant at Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), a lot of students with Asperger’s struggle with basic planning, organization and time management.
“If they have something like an iPad or an iPhone it can completely organize their life. All those executive functioning tasks are done for them.”
Ryan said things that seem abstract become concrete with cell phone calendars, reminders and notifications.
“When I think of assistive technology now I think of all the apps that are available, all these things they can use that they can be just like any other young adult, without the fear of being singled out and feeling different.”
Szmyr said students with Asperger syndrome, can—and do— have many skills and strengths that should not be overlooked, such as above average intelligence in subjects like math and science.
Ryan said more than anything, assistive technology merely levels the playing field, giving these students an equal opportunity to thrive.
Jeff Szymyr’s Asperger Support Group runs at Humber North every Monday from 9:55-10:45 a.m. in room B111.
About the Author
Rebecca Alberico is a third year journalism student at the University of Guelph-Humber and writer for Dolce Media Group. She contributes to two successful publications, Dolce Vita Magazine & City Life Magazine, as well as various web content. Her passion for her craft is evident through her determination and ambition. This glass-half-full writer loves the challenges that come with the territory.
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