Computer Programs Can Help Reduce or Eliminate Autism Meltdowns

Persons with autism tend to be drawn to video and computer screens.

Computers and video can be used as a very effective tool to teach someone with autism how to self regulate. Videos can be used to teach social skills, speech, facial movements, expressions, and many other skills. Animated video and computer programs are more effective than real video.

Look for software that uses primary colors, and is very clear in its presentation of concepts. Computer programs that teach children with autism social situations and formation of words have the greatest long term impact.


Tyler's Notes:

I've been interested in computers since I was four. Even built myself one with the help of Dad when I was twelve. One thing about those machines that I enjoy very much is the sounds it would make. I would go up to a machine, put my ear on the side of the computer, and listen to whatever goes on as the computer runs after I turn it on. Could...

I grew up with computers. Those machines that make cool noises when starting it up and the monitor screens to see what goes on in these wonderful devices.

When I think of using a computer, now I think of work and music, but back then, it was computer games! Sure there was internet, but I wasn't really into that back then, it was computer games! I used to think that anything that involved a CD would be a game, even CDs made for music. Just the cover art made me think that they might have been computer games. Not just games in general, but software where I can learn a few things here and there on the screen.

Some of the software programs involve content from:

• Microsoft
• DK
• Jumpstart
• Tonka
• Humongous Entertainment
• Math/Reading Blasters
• David Macaulay

Some of the content provided may involve letters and numbers, the basic stuff for younger children, some involve harder topics like science, history, and animals. What makes these programs and games so successful to me is the color. Always...

One of my favorite things to do is to play sports.

I was not into talking verbally growing up to be honest with you. Usually am the silent type often times, so why sports?

Well, for one thing, when it comes to sports, most of the activities don't require speech, just action and movement! Growing up, I would mostly move around all over the place even to the point of not knowing how to keep my hands to myself by mistake; So my teachers and parents encouraged me to do some fun activities outside during recess or in the backyard.

Actually, before school time, I was still encouraged to be active when I was two. May be diagnosed with having autism at age three, but still, my mom made sure I was doing something that involved moving around whether I have autism or not. Think it was something to do with Mr. Golden Sun. Can't believe I remember how it goes.

Sports was fully discovered when I grabbed a soccer ball with my hands and some kids yelled "HAND BALL!" and learned that there are rules...