Technology helps autistic children lead normal lives

Is a line just a line? Do people with autism see a simple black line drawn on a page the same way I do, or does it come to life like most things that attract the attention of these brilliant minds, the potential of which we as society have only glimpsed?

As we celebrated World Autism Day this week (April 2), a great deal of research has been done on understanding autism and its impact on individuals with the condition, their families and society, as well as its related speech disorders, the genetics involved, parental age, food, vaccinations and the brain.

After reading many research articles, I believe that people with autism see colour, shapes and lines in greater detail. I can only see a few shades of green, for example grass green or lime green – the colour of my favourite milkshake.

Famous natural philosopher, physicist, chemist and scientist Henry Cavendish, whom people now believe may have had autism, had the amazing ability to distinguish many different shades of green. There is a downside to this ability, however, that relates to the perception of lines and print.

World-renowned spokesperson for autism and professor of animal science Dr Temple Grandin, who also has autism, noted that some of her students drew squiggly and wavy lines instead of smooth arcs. For them, print on pages seemed to move, jiggle and become blurred, and lines would disappear. These visual limitations are linked to a disorder called Irlen syndrome.

Grandin found a unique way to tackle this problem. She told them to experiment with photocopies on paper of different pastel shades until they found a colour that made the print appear clear and stationary.

She then suggested they try sunglasses with different coloured lenses.

One student noted that lines had stopped jiggling and the numbers finally stood still so she could read them.

At the University of Pretoria, we are doing research to identify design elements and principles that promote language learning in young children with autism. Children play with three different apps that teach them language.

A 2013 study showed that speech-generating apps help autistic children learn language faster than traditional methods.

The study is still at an early stage, but by understanding what holds the attention, we hope to find patterns in the interactions. With new and better ways to learn language and social skills, these special children stand a better chance at a happy and normal life.