AT and Children with Complex Disabilities

Children with complex disabilities like autism spectrum disorder often require a variety of service providers, systems, and strategies, including Assistive Technology, to develop functional skills. Children who live in rural areas or areas without their own specialists and a coordinated specialty service systems are at a disadvantage. They are often seen by professionals who have little experience in complex conditions, and alternative methodologies are often unavailable in their communities.

Some children and families may be able to consult with specialists in centralized centers of excellence, university-based programs, or major medical centers. This good fortune imposes, however, an additional burden; families must take on the role of translators and teachers, conveying specialized knowledge to local providers. Families often feel ill equipped for this task. Providers may be dismissive of information transmitted by nonprofessionals and often have follow-up questions not readily answered by the remote specialist.

A direct two-way audio and visual link between that professional and community providers – using inexpensive stand-alone video phones or videoconferencing by computer via the Internet – has become a practical readily available tool for easing this problem. This is Assistive Technology available on the mass market at rapidly falling mass market prices.

It should be noted, however, that until the day comes when “broadband” (cable or DSL phone service) connections are available outside of urban areas, the video quality available during direct live remote specialist observation and interaction with rural Angies will be limited. The good news is that there is movement nationally toward “universal broadband”. Families and professionals in the communities and specialists in isolated centers of comprehensive service should monitor and promote this progress; it will bring a powerful Assistive Technology to their desks and kitchen tables.