In this article, Leslie Broun discusses the challenges of writing by hand for students with autism spectrum disorder, how technology can create greater access to written expression and practical tips for how to begin that process. Broun urges teachers not to wait but to "encourage these students to use the keyboard as their primary writing instrument now" (Broun 20). This is what she means when she says to take the pencil out of the process.
Many students with ASD experience low muscle tone and strength, as well as difficulty executing skilled movements. This means that using a pencil to write is often a very challenging task! As a result, the act of writing the letters and words is a more onerous and separate task from actually expressing themselves. The former makes the latter difficult and not as enjoyable as it should be. There are a number of touching stories in the article from students who became stronger writers and communicators by using computers, but the one that stuck out to me the most was that of Carly Fleischmann who independently typed without any coaching "HELP HURT TEETH". Her needs, wants and complex ideas were in her mind without the means of expression. I can imagine how motivated Carly would be to learn to write with technology! It's sad that it took so long for her to be able to express her need for help.
I think a very important part of Broun's article is the section where she discusses people's objections to technology use in the classroom (either from parents or teachers). I think being able to respond to those is very important. One thing I continue to reflect on during this course is that printing may be overrated. Technology is here and it's not going away. The ability to write through typing is going to become a more valuable skill over time. Although I do believe hand writing has a definite utility and that it's more cost-effective, I think the idea that 'everybody needs to hand-write clearly and efficiently or they will be held back in life' is really not the case any more. Most people use technology every day to communicate and in fact it is their primary means of non-oral communication. Authors, journalists, teachers, lawyers, doctors, and (probably most) other professions use typing as their way of communicating and working! Learning to type is not a lesser form of writing-- in the modern world, it is becoming more and more essential. So let's take the pencil out of the process and put a more powerful communication tool in the hands of our students.
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