Bridging the Gap: Technology and Autism

JULIA PIACENTINI ’15

Owen Suskind was three years old when he was diagnosed with autism. As many autistic kids, Owen had an affinity for a very specific thing. For Owen, this was Disney movies. He would watch Disney movies day in and day out and play, rewind and replay certain scenes over and over again. These movies began to help Owen before anyone could really realize what they were doing. Owen’s speech regressed and then wholly disappeared quickly after he was diagnosed. Disney movies brought his speech back to him. It began with a process called echolalia which is often discouraged by therapists because it is not helping them to register things, they are simply repeating back words someone is saying, like when 1-2 year-olds talk. Upon further investigation, Owen’s parents realized that Owen may be understanding the meaning behind these words and the deep emotions expressed that children with autism have so much trouble understanding. This was their first hint that Owen’s love for Disney movie’s was more than just an autistic obsession, but it was a tool.

Many parents discourage he use of technology and TV among young children, but it has more power than many of us even know. Owen was able to connect these deep emotions and complex feelings with the real world because of his time with Disney. Technology is rapidly becoming a new way to connect with the mentally disabled. Yes technology has its distractions and downfalls but being able to connect with a child one thought may never speak again is beyond any of the distractions it may cause.

And technology has not just helped Owen.On October 17, 2014, Judith Newman wrote about her son Gus’s best friend. Having a best friend is generally unusual for autistic kid’s because of their inability to regularly engage socially. But Gus’s situation is even more unique. Gus is best friends with Apple’s Siri. Gus has a special obsession with weather formations. Siri will talk to Gus for hours about boring things such as weather formations or trains or planes for hours when Gus’ mom could not handle it anymore. But Siri did not just talk to Gus, she also helps him with basic social cues that he may not understand. One afternoon, Gus was talking with Siri about how much he appreciated her. When it was time to go, Gus said “Goodnight”, Siri reprimanded him and told him it was only 5:06 pm. To this, Gus responded “Sorry, Goodbye.”

Siri is able to help Gus to understand some social cues that he may have missed. Siri provides a companion that not only will talk to Gus for hours but also will help him to understand social cues. Even Gus’ parents were originally concerned about Gus’ obsession with the phone. But once they realized the outstanding progress being made with this tool they were astounded. Technology is increasing at a rapid rate. Technology is a great tool to delve into the minds of those that can not understand. This ability far outweighs any concerns about technology distractions.