Web+2.0+&+Aspergers+-+Communication

=Aspergers and Web 2.0 for communication=

Nick Shepherd
Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) typically have a difficult time communicating in a group or face-to-face. Because of this, many students with AS may miss out on activities within the classroom. People with AS can sometime show a higher intelligence than their peers, but are considered to be on the high end of autism. With an increase in students who are diagnosed with autism and AS, we must find ways to allow them to feel more comfortable collaborating with their peers. Students with AS tend to have difficult times working and communicating in groups. This could be because students with AS can be overwhelmed when there is a lot going on around them. According to Sian Cooper, "These technologies (Web 2.0 technologies) provide a more comfortable means of communication as there is potential for visual anonymity, it filters out sensory stimuli that would otherwise impede communication, and it gives people with AS the chance to express themselves in meaningful ways." Teachers who have student(s) with AS can easily accommodate them by moving groups activities to on-line activities. All students would have equal access to sharing their ideas. However, students with AS will not feel overwhelmed because they focus on their thoughts to share via Web 2.0 technologies. One problem that may arise is that a teacher may allow the student with AS to be dependent on using Web 2.0 technologies to communicate. Sian Cooper goes on to say, "...people with AS may become over-reliant on this method of communication, leading to further social isolation and negative reactions from family and friends." Therefore, a teacher must balance the use of Web 2.0 technologies for classroom activites.

"How the internet and Web 2.0 technologies break down barriers to communication for people with Asperger's Syndrome", Sian Cooper, April 22, 2012 []