Software Educativo como herramienta de apoyo para niños autistas

Abstract

We live in the digital age or computer age that offers new devices (computers, smart phones, and electronic tablets) and Electronic Applications (APPs) with enormous potential for the educational treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder ( hereinafter ASD) defined by the DSM IV psychiatry manual as “a neurobiological developmental disorder that already manifests itself during the first three years of life and that will last throughout the entire life cycle.” (US ASSOCIATION OF PSYCHIATRY, 2002 ) After the analysis of the few centers of attention in the south of Veracruz for children with ASD and the ease offered by ICTs to create PPPs, the “ELY” software emerges that is divided into three important sections: Mental Activities, Social Activities and Social interaction activities. These sections contain activities that reinforce absent cognitive and social skills in children with ASD. In addition, with this tool the tutors did not require constant economic investment in teaching materials such as cardboard cards, colored pencils, geometric figures, among others. Participants who used the software in their treatment improved their recognition of emotions such as happiness, sadness and anger, also progressed by recognizing patterns and colors. This proves that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in this research supported the specific teaching-learning processes of children with ASD, promoting communication, socialization and imagination, which are essential factors for relating to people who surround.