ERIC Number: ED267575
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1985
Pages: 28
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Computers and Autistic Learners: An Evolving Technology.
Hedbring, Charles
Australian Journal of Human Communication Disorders, v13 n2 p169-94 Dec 1985
A research and demonstration computer center for severely handicapped autistic children, STEPPE-Lab, which uses computers as an augmentative communication and instructional system, is described. The article first reviews the keyboard, joystick, mouse, and drawing tablet as augmentative devices for helping communication disordered children interact more meaningfully with their environment. Noted is the lack of empirical software appropriate for this population. The software packages developed by STEPPE are discussed with information on curriculum areas and perceptual motor skills emphasized. Also considered are the logic and requirements for evaluating the content validity of commercial software from an empirical perspective. Guidelines are offered for marshalling political support for computer demonstration centers. Five long-term goals for the project are identified, including issues of overselective responding and generalization. (CL)
Descriptors: Autism, Communication Aids (for Disabled), Computer Software, Computers, Demonstration Programs, Program Development, Severe Disabilities
Hedbring and Associates, Suite 1712 Master Apts., 310 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10025 ($7.95, $5.95 for 10 or more).
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A