Frank J. Menolascino Award Lecture: “Talk to Me: A Review of Autism and Technology”-View Recording

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Video Summary

In his discussion, Frampton Gwinnett emphasized the intricate interaction between autism and technology, and how this relationship is evolving, impacting screen time and its potential effects on autism spectrum populations. He highlighted troubling trends of increased screen time among children with autism compared to their typically developing peers, which has led to inquiries about the causes of the rising autism prevalence. Gwinnett discussed various possible contributing factors, including improved screening, more precise diagnosis, and genetic aspects. <br /><br />Technological advancements offer both benefits and challenges in supporting individuals with autism, enhancing communication and aiding in education, yet potentially increasing dependency and isolation. Gwinnett introduced the Autism News Network as a novel intervention functioning from the Medical University of South Carolina to bridge the social and vocational gap for young adults upon completing their education. This program seeks to leverage technology and media creation to improve participants' vocational skills and social engagement, encouraging their independent storytelling through video content production. <br /><br />While Gwinnett shared success stories highlighting transformative experiences among participants, he also acknowledged significant challenges, including navigating group dynamics and mitigating aggressive behavior, which required reevaluation and restructuring. Ultimately, Gwinnett's work underscores the potential opportunities technology presents when harnessed effectively alongside human guidance in promoting the capabilities and inclusion of individuals with autism in broader societal contexts, and calls for more programs to address the lack of structural and societal support for adults with autism.

Keywords

autism

technology

screen time

autism prevalence

diagnosis

communication

education

Autism News Network

vocational skills

social engagement

video content

societal support