In this new world of Distance/VIrtual/Online learning vs. in-person learning, you may have felt that you have no options because your child does not respond to a screen. Or they won’t sit at a computer. Or they have never seemingly paid attention to a screen before. If you are wanting them to have some skills that will lead them to online learning, here are some tips.
- To increase attention in face to face virtual activities like Zoom, TEAMS, Facetime, and the like, one might say “They don’t look at anyone anyway, why would they engage in this”? Keep in mind, many people with autism love movies, TV shows (animated or real people). The 2D faces on the screen may make them want to at least listen or be curious. Because the person is not live in front of them, they may be amused that someone they know is on their ipad, phone, ipod, laptop, or other device. Practice this with therapists, parents, favorite people, teachers. See what kind of response your child has. You might be surprised.
- To increase attention to interactive games that require a mouse, or touch pad, start with ipads or some other touch device. Maybe you want something of more substance if your child is rough with portable devices. Laptops or desk tops (while still can be the target of a frustrated child) can have an element of stability. When starting to use a mouse, start with one that has a signal button to click with (then change the settings on the device to be one-click). You can put a piece of tape on the button to teach them to click the tape to make something happen on the screen. Start slow with easy interactive early learning games, like on Starfall.com or ABCya.com. If they do not like devices at all, it may have to do with sensory issue with the brightness of the screen, the volume levels or how visually stimulating the activity is. There are many calming apps that that can be a gateway to technology. They have less visual stimulation and soft music that are interactive. You can change the brightness of your screens in settings.
- To encourage participation or engagement time, start slow. Try 2 minutes, then 5 minutes, then build up as appropriate to a length of 10-15 minutes. If your child is still adverse to technology, model how it works for them. Or have their favorite person model it, use it, act on their behalf in zoom classes or Facetime. Watching might be the ticket to how they learn the value and appropriate use of technology.
If you would like someone to help your child learn to use technology, contact us at PickUpthePiecesTN@gmail.com
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