Technology in development to assist students with autism in job training

From The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, Pa.:

Imagine having someone whisper helpful hints as you confront a moody boss, a malfunction with unfamiliar equipment or other workplace problem. For people
with autism, who often possess exceptional skills in specific areas but who may miss subtle cues, that kind of assistance could mean the difference between being employed and being idle.

The Capitol Area Intermediate Unit is working on a ground-breaking project that, combining technology and education know-how, aims to build an earpiece that autistic students can wear while training and working at jobs.

"It will be designed to provide a remote coach with visual and auditory feedback. It's all web-based," said Arlene Moll, a supervisor who works with autistic students in job training. A remote coach could watch and listen to seven or eight workers and guide them through workday hurdles.

The first trials for a prototype will be in March. It will take up to a year to implement for CAIU's small class of autistic students who are in vocational training, Moll said.

However, the potential is great for helping the 500 to 700 autistic students in 24 midstate school districts served by CAIU, who have technical skills but limited aptitude for interacting with others, she said.