Technology is helping people with autism and related disorders live fuller lives. Autism software can build skills, foster creativity, and aid in research. Many people on the spectrum respond well to visual software. Specific software is available for autistic users, and some not originally designed for autism have gained popularity. Web-based platforms allow parents to exchange information and track treatments. Working in the software industry could be a career choice for some on the spectrum.
Autism and other neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide and can pose significant challenges for those directly affected and for parents and caregivers. Together, the conditions are known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and an affected person is said to be ‘on the spectrum’. Fortunately, innovative use of technology is helping people with autism and related conditions live fuller, more productive lives. Autism software can be designed to build skills, foster expression and creativity, or even aid in autism research. Some programs originally designed for other purposes have been adopted by autistic users.
Computers and technology have proven popular with many people on the spectrum. Many people with different types of ASD have exceptional visual thinking skills or respond well to pictures. As a result, software with a high emphasis on visuals is popular with many with autism or related disorders on the spectrum.
Specific software for autistic users is available from both commercial and non-profit organizations. While much of this autism software is aimed at children, it can usually be used by anyone. Some programs use flashcard-style interfaces to help users associate pictures with words or sentences and develop language skills. A web browser designed for autistic children hides traditional computer interface elements and uses pictograms for navigation. Software designed for smartphones and other portable devices can also help some users with communication skills.
Autism software can also be used to gather information for autism research. A group of researchers known as the Autism Collaborative has created a video game designed to collect a variety of user behavioral information while playing. These researchers hope that by exposing autistic children to different types of stimuli at the same time, new insights into autism can be gained.
Some programs not originally designed as autism software have gained fans within the ASD community. A notable example is 3D design software, which requires visual thinking skills and encourages creativity. A number of children and teenagers on the spectrum have found this type of software very addictive.
There are also helpful types of software not necessarily aimed at autistic users. There are web-based platforms that allow parents to exchange information, track treatments, and even store information for doctors’ use. The researchers also showed that the software may be able to detect signs of childhood autism in speech patterns long before the onset of other symptoms.
Working in the software industry could also be a career choice for some individuals on the autism spectrum. Many people with ASD excel at tasks that others would simply lose focus or interest in. Several companies have come to see the persistence, focus, and high attention to detail exhibited by many across the spectrum as valuable traits for software testers.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
