Technology use as a support tool by secondary students with autism

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
• Adolescent Psychology

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for secondary students.
• Technology integration is increasingly explored as a supportive tool in education.
• Understanding student-led technology use is crucial for effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how secondary students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) use technology.
• To identify supportive ways technology is utilized by adolescents with ASD.
• To explore perceived benefits and barriers of technology use in school.

Main Methods:

• A self-report survey was administered to 472 high school students diagnosed with ASD.
• Participants described the types of technology used and their purposes.
• Data collected on benefits and barriers to technology use in educational contexts.

Main Results:

• Students with ASD reported using technology in diverse supportive ways, both at school and home.
• Key benefits included increased independence, reduced anxiety, and enhanced social opportunities.
• Identified barriers to technology use were also reported by participants.

Conclusions:

• Technology can be effectively integrated as an instructional and support tool for students with ASD.
• Practitioners should consider leveraging technology to meet the needs of adolescents with ASD.
• Further research is recommended to explore optimal technology integration strategies.