Action Research
P47: Investigating an ICT-based solution to meet the sentence writing needs of a child with Autism
Author: Eimear O'Flaherty, Class Teacher, Warren Junior School
Date: 2005
Summary
Eimear investigated the effect of using of Clicker (a program that uses both visual and aural aids to help the pupil link thoughts when writing) with John, an Autistic child. Eimear found that the use of Clicker enabled John to produce more complex sentences and to do so without constantly seeking help from the Learning Support Assistant (LSA).
Action
Eimear worked with John's LSA to introduce the use of Clicker. They imported their own pictures into Clicker to personalise it and stimulate John to produce more complex sentences.
Outcomes
Eimear felt that Clicker had been a very useful tool, boosting John's confidence and encouraging him to produce far more complex sentences. He also noted an improvement in John's spelling and a willingness to work alone. John particularly enjoyed using the headphones to hear his own sentences spoken back to him.
Eimear also noted the development of the LSA within the school, giving help and advice to other staff members on the use of Clicker.
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