Before discussing apps for students with autism, it will be beneficial to recognize some of characteristics students with autism demonstrate.  An extensive overview of these characteristics is obviously beyond the scope of this blog, so we have tried to provide the most common characteristics.

Firstly, it is essential to stress that forms of autism range from mild to severe.  Students with severe autism may never learn to speak.  In its milder form, only a few of the characteristics are present.  So please remember that children with autism, like all children, are individuals with unique needs.

Characteristics Demonstrated  

Impairment of Social Interaction (EPSE 467)

1. Impaired nonverbal behaviours
2. Failure to develop age-appropriate peer relationshipes
3. Lack of spontaneous sharing of enjoyment or interests
4. Lack of social or emotional reciprocity

Impairment in Communication (EPSE 467)

1. Delay or lack of spoken language
2. When speech in adequate, impairment in initiating and maintaining conversation
3. Repetitive or idiosyncratic language
4. Lack of a varied, age-appropriate, spontaneous make-believe or social imitative play

Abnormal Behaviour Patterns (EPSE 467)

1. Unusual preoccupation with stereotyped and restrictive interests
2. Inflexible adherence to nonfunctional rituals
3. Stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms
4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
5. resistance to environmental change or adaption of daily routines
6. unusual responses to sensory experiences

Repetitive Autistic Behaviour – Daniel: 4 y.o. nonverbal

Extra Information

1. A high percentage of students with autism are visual learners (Autism Canada Foundation, n.d.).
2. Approximately four out of five individuals with ASD are male (Mulligan et al., 2009).
3. Approximately, one in every 165 children are autistic (Mulligan et al., 2009).
4. Students can be diagnosed as autistic from approximately two years of age (Autism Canada Foundation, n.d.a.).
5. Early intervention has been seen to have a positive impact (Yates and Couteur, 2009).
6. Strengths can include computer interests and skills, drawing skills, non-verbal skills, and music skills (Autism Canada Foundation, n.d.).