Edits to Hypertext essay

Research Question: How are computer games affecting Autistic learners?

Related Questions: Are there any negative effects? What are specific examples of computer games and how have they worked? What is important information for teachers and parents to know about computer games?

Autism is a brain development disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. It is a lifelong condition that can have profoundly negative effects on an individual and their family with respect to social, economic and emotional well-being. The social and communication symptoms of Autism include delayed or unusual speech patterns, high pitched or flat intonation, lack of slang words in vocabulary, difficulty understanding tone of voice and body language as a way of expressing feelings, lack of eye contact, and the inability to take another's perspective. However, Autistic children are extremely efficient in memorizing video scripts and precisely repeating phrases directly from the script in the correct tone of the character. Autistic learners also prefer activities that require a limited amount of verbal communication.

http://autism.about.com/od/whatisautism/a/symptoms.htm

The characteristics of Autistic learners show a great need for the use of computer games to improve their skills in many different areas. Computer games are affecting the skills of children with Autism in a positive way. They can help children with Autism learn new vocabulary, practice math skills, and improve eye-hand coordination. It enhances their capability to memorize and understand aspects, as well as allowing them to be in an area that is not crowded and doesn’t require much verbal interaction. Autistic children are enhancing their vocabulary on their own by interacting with computer games, but not being forced to do it in an open area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism
http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science_news/treatment_grants_2006.php

The benefits of computer games in regards to Autistic children are improvement in cognitive, language, math, social, motor, and sensory processing skills. Computer games can affect cognitive skills by improving memory, problem-solving, deduction, and planning skills. The computer game Reader Rabbit, as well as Baby Bumblebee videos help increase vocabulary skills. The computer version of Bingo can help Autistic children practice counting and learn to recognize numbers. Nintendo Wii sports games help children wit their motor skills.

http://autism.lovetoknow.com/Games_for_Autistic_Children

Two very effective computer games for children with Autism are MouseTrial's Autism Software and Facesay. MouseTrial's Autism Software is a discrete trial therapy. It is a computer program that helps children with Autism develop vocabulary, communication, concentration, cooperation, and literacy. The MouseTrial Autistim Software states, “If you click on the correct item when asked to, you get rewarded with a short, funny animation about the chosen object. If you click on the wrong item then MouseTrial flashes the correct image to give you a hint.” Autistic children tend to seclude themselves or are unable to make friends easily. They also have a hard time focusing on one specific task if they are uninterested. Autistic children usually have one or few passionate interests. MouseTrial helps Autistic learners with concentration and cooperation.

Facesay is a computer game that helps children recognize facial expressions, which is effective for improving social skills. On June 23, 2007, ScienceDaily stated, “An interactive computer software program called FaceSay™ has been shown to improve the ability of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to recognize faces, facial expressions and emotions, according to the results of a study conducted by psychologists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The game allows children to practice facial expressions through an avatar or computer puppet.

http://www.mousetrial.com/
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070622183516.htm

It is important to begin the use of computer games for Autistic children at a young age. The computer games should not be outside of the age group and children should not play for more than two hours at a time. There is a lot of important information that parents and teachers should know when interacting with Autistic learners. Autistic learners are visual thinkers, they show talent in drawing, art and computer programming, they prefer typing on the computer and if the computer keyboard is placed close to the screen.

Due to the effectiveness of the use of computer games with Autistic learners it is extremely important to encourage their ability to use the computer for writing or playing educational games.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/850553/games_for_children_with_autism_dos.html
http://www.autism.com/families/therapy/teaching_tips.htm