The Guardian reported this week on the role that computers play in both helping and hindering children and adults with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). You can read the article in full here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/26/computer-geeks-autism

Numerous professionals working with children on the autistic spectrum have observed anecdotally how many of these diagnosed children have parents working in hi-tech, scientific and mathematical industries. This link is now being formally investigated by Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre. You can read more about this here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/9045703/Parents-provide-clues-to-autism.html

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, one of the UK’s most well-respected researchers in ASD, notes that computers can be extremely helpful, saying “We can use computers to teach emotion recognition and to simplify communication by stripping out facial and vocal emotional expressions and slowing it down using email instead of face-to-face real-time modes.”

The article also notes that researchers at Nottingham University and Carnegie Mellon University have found that people with autism value the filter of a computer screen, as this gives them increased control over their interactions. They can choose when to be sociable, observe interactions and make contact with other individuals on the autistic spectrum.

Then there is the ‘geek chic’ – technology has never been so current and so desired, particularly with the advent of smartphones and tablets. Professor Baron-Cohen notes that “The new technology is chic, so people who are talented at using technology acquire a certain kudos, thereby further reducing any stigma that is often associated with disability.” IT companies around the world are also actively recruiting individuals with ASD as their highly-developed technical and concentration abilities are so useful.

Unfortunately, there are also cases where an obsession with computers can become a serious problem, as obsessive tendencies are very common in ASD. Gary McKinnon, pictured, remains at threat of extradition following his admission that he hacked into US defence and NASA computers, despite his diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. His mother advises parents to keep computers in communal spaces, limit their use and to help children learn to question what they read. Richard Mills, director of the charity ‘Research Autism’ agrees: “This virtual world has to help people access the real world, not isolate them further. They must control it, not be controlled by it,” he says. “We have to reinforce the positives.”

If you think that your child may benefit from speech and language therapy, Integrated Treatment Services could be of help. Contact us here:

https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/enquiry

Sarah Bennington, February 2012

Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. Integrated Treatment Services is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Arts Therapists.