Games giving a voice to the voiceless

While many parents hope that the next iPad app or computer game will launch their child's reading and cognitive abilities to the next grade level, some parents simply hope that it will help their child communicate the smallest of requests.

For children on the autism spectrum, simple communications may be the most difficult to convey. They have trouble communicating basic needs such as hunger, thirst or even the need to use a restroom.

But recent advancements in digital applications and gaming have broken down the communication barriers for many children suffering from these disabilities. A virtual bevy of apps created specifically for these special children are available in the iTunes app store and some of these have finally given a voice to the previously silent.

Jessica Schornak, an educator within the Macomb Intermediate School District, uses new media devices and digital gaming regularly with her classroom of middle and high school-aged students with autism spectrum disorders. Schornak sees value in many of the games available to supplement a special education curriculum, but she particularly appreciates the lessons taught in a game called "Making Change." The game, created by the Attainment Company, puts players in the position of a store clerk in front cash register and has them enter purchases and give back change. The program randomly generates hundreds of purchasing situations, each time showing an amount due for the purchase. Students then count money given for payment and enter the value on the keypad. The "cash register" then shows the change due. "It's highly motivational, adaptable and easy to use," said Schornak.

Proloquo 2 is another program lauded by Schornak who credits it with giving her students the tools to voice their needs at home and on the go. "This has by far been the most effective/ motivating piece of technology I've used," she said. "The students all love it and many families have purchased them for home use. The great part about it is the sharing that iTunes enables between devices. This allows the student to never be without their communication tool."

CBS's 60-Minutes recently did a segment on these assistive technologies and how they're received by educators, parents and - most importantly - the students.