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Families and educators in South Florida are turning to technology to enhance communication, safety, and independence for children on the autism spectrum, with results that are transforming lives in communities like Hialeah and Doral.
At schools like the South Florida Autism Charter School, located in Hialeah, teachers and parents, supported by technological tools, work together to prepare students for daily activities, from regular classes to special events that can be overwhelming for children with particular sensory needs.
One of those students is Ezio, a non-verbal child who enjoys jumping on the trampoline as part of his sensory therapy and communicates using an augmentative and alternative communication app installed on a phone.
This activity is not just recreational: the vestibular stimulation provided by the trampoline enhances postural control, coordination, and emotional regulation in children on the spectrum.
Susan León, mother of another student, explained to Telemundo 51 how the device works: "(The child) is non-verbal, but he understands everything that is said to him. He can communicate using a phone that has an app where he can write; there is a button he can press, so the phone speaks for him."
Teacher Silvia Soldevila also adapts her teaching methods to meet the needs of her students: "I try to incorporate videos and readings that have plenty of images to help them visualize better and to understand a bit more what we are learning."
Among the standout devices is the Gizmo Watch from Verizon, a smart watch with GPS that allows parents to track their children's location in real time and set boundaries with automatic alerts. "If the person leaves those areas, you will receive an alert," said Alonso Castillo, the company's spokesperson.
In addition, specialized headphones help manage auditory sensitivity, allowing children to listen to sounds or music that calm them.
According to the report from Telemundo, in the United States, one in 31 children has been diagnosed with autism.
Technological advancements provide techniques and tools that help them enhance their physical, mental, and social skills, enabling them to be more independent.
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