Many smart technologies have been introduced to support neurodiverse individuals in their daily activities. These include anything from noise-canceling headphones to more complex systems that provide real-time transcription of speech, or apps that help with organization and time management.
This article looks at the range of current and emerging assistive technology created to help those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia in all aspects of their lives, including work.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology is any kind of device or software that can be used to enhance the functional capabilities and independence of neurodiverse individuals. It can also be beneficial for people with restricted mobility or other disabilities because it helps them to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult.
Assistive technology aims to mitigate barriers and challenges that neurodiverse people may encounter in their daily lives, enabling them to perform tasks more easily and participate fully in everything they do, whether at home, school or work. These technologies can be incredibly helpful for people who experience sensory overload or poor executive functioning.
Assistive technology can be divided into three categories, depending on the level of complexity:
Low-tech
This includes any simple, inexpensive devices that are not complex to operate and require minimal training. Examples are color-coded organizers, visual schedules, and communication boards.
Mid-tech
These technologies typically require some level of training or expertise to use effectively so, for example, noise-canceling earbuds or visual timers.
High-tech
These advanced digital tools leverage advanced electronics and software to provide more comprehensive and tailored solutions, including augmentative communication technology for non-verbal people, and robots that help improve social skills. Examples include screen readers, text-to-speech/speech-to-text technology, or eye-gaze communication systems.
How can assistive technology help?
Dyslexia
Tools like screen readers and speech-to-text software can really help individuals who find reading or writing a challenge to complete tasks efficiently and accurately. Similarly, font customisation can increase readability, and visual aids like charts and graphs can help with processing information.
The following types of assistive technology can be beneficial for people with dyslexia:
- Smartpens, such as the C-Pen, make reading easier by scanning text and speaking it aloud
- TextHelp Read&Write and ClaroRead are both text-to-speech programs with word prediction and spell-check features
- Speech recognition software, such as Dragon, converts speech into text
- Google Screen Mask blocks out surrounding text and images on a web page
ADHD
In addition to the assistive technologies suggested above for dyslexia, here are some tools that people with ADHD may find beneficial:
- Time Timer is a visual timer to help with focus and productivity
- Ayoa and XMind are mind-mapping tools
- Windows Ghotit Real Writer & Reader help improve reading and writing skills
- Notability allows users to take notes more effectively
- Isolator software enables those with ADHD to concentrate on their work
Autism
Assistive technology addresses specific challenges faced by people with autism daily, including communication, social interaction, and sensory processing.
Many of the assistive technologies already mentioned for dyslexia and ADHD can also make a crucially important difference in the lives of people with autism, including screen readers, speech recognition software, and task management systems.
Speech-generating devices in particular are key to enabling improved communication and social interaction, which is essential for many nonverbal or minimally verbal individuals, allowing them to still communicate and express themselves effectively.
Assistive technology at work
There are many ways that employers can create a more inclusive environment and help overcome challenges for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace so they can achieve their potential.
Assistive technology is an important tool in creating more accessible workspaces. It helps level the playing field when it comes to tasks like data analysis, coding, and other specialized work, but it also enables employers to fully tap into the unique talents of their diverse workforce, resulting in increased innovation, productivity, and creativity.
For example, people with autism often struggle with social cues and body language, making it difficult for them to ‘read the room’ in conversations. Some steps can be taken to make meetings and events neuro-inclusive, but outside of those environments, the use of chat, instant messaging, and email can enable comfortable and accessible communication.
One of the key benefits assistive technology provides though is confidence. People with any form of disability can often feel disheartened and frustrated when they are unable to complete tasks, especially in the workplace.
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