The challenge that we face as a nation is the increasing numbers of those ASD individuals who qualify for special services in school in this country. This targeted population will require instruction that takes into consideration not only the type of curriculum but the environment of the instruction, as well. This challenge will also pressure the already overloaded system to absorb. “One in 68 U.S. children has an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a 30% increase from 1 in 88 two years ago, according to a new report released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” (Falco, M., 2014, para. 2). The obvious question at this point is how does one know if their …show more content…
“The earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the better their chances of overcoming the difficulties that come with the disorder” (Falco, M, 2014, para. 9). Early diagnosis using RTI and other assessment procedures has made it more likely that ASD and LD students will receive timely intervention that will produce a positive change in the groups dynamics. "It's not a cure, but it changes the trajectory," says Dr. Gary Goldstein, president and CEO of the Kennedy Krieger Institute and professor of neurology at Johns Hopkins University”(Falco, M, 2014., para. 11). As the population of those young children identified with ASD and LD soar, it has been determined by government bureaucrats and politicians that, “a plan (is needed) to respond to these numbers, a national strategy for autism, and (the) leadership has to come from Washington," because every congressional district is affected, says Robert Ring, chief science officer for the advocacy group Autism Speaks (Falco, M, 2014., para. …show more content…
“Assistive Technology includes both non-technical auxiliary aids, mechanical, and electrical devices: dry-erase boards, photo albums, three-ring binders, tape recorders, timers, calculators, voice output devices, scanners, digital cameras, trackballs, augmentative and alternative communication devices, computer software, simulations, and virtual reality”(Ennis-Cole, D., & Smith, D., 2011, p.87). These computer applications can assist a plethora of individuals, handicapped and non-handicapped alike, to use AT for learning a myriad of information. The fact that those with ASD seem to respond well to the one on one relationship that interactive programs offer, makes AT a perfect simulated partner in their learning and social development. “The Assistive Technology Act (The Tech Act), (P.L. 100-407) was passed in 1998 which permitted funding of “ state level programs and services that allowed individuals with disabilities to obtain assistive technology tools (The National Center on Accessible Information Technology in Education, 2002-2010). The use of these specialized tools allows the individual with a disability to live independently and