Autism, Avatars, and Alleviating Social Skills Disorders | Dudick & Mullen | TEDxNavesink

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• published: 06 May 2016
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Humans are social beings, having conversations, making friendships and communities. Social interaction is the key to our happiness. By definition, children with Autism Spectrum Disorder struggle to be socially appropriate and connected. If offered the opportunity to socialize through an avatar, we have found that children with ASD are motivated socially. This insight has been the impetus behind the creation of SiLAS (Socially Interactive Learning Avatar Software) for Social Skills. Through our presentation “Autism, Avatars, and Alleviating Social Skills Disorders” we will explore how avatars give special learners the opportunity to step outside themselves to utilize and practice the skills needed to be successful socially. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx Christopher Dudick is the founder of Small Factory Productions, a multimedia and technology studio for children. Since its creation in 2007, Small Factory has worked with hundreds of NYC and NJ schools and thousands of students focusing on STEAM based enrichment programs such as Animation, Video Game Design, 3D Printing and Video Production. In 2012 Chris won an Emmy for producing ‘Socially Conscious Cartoons’ a series of cartoons with socially impactful messages created by kids for kids. Previous to starting Small Factory Chris worked on children’s shows for Nickelodeon, Nicktoons, Cartoon Network and AOL. Chris’ current venture, SiLAS Solutions is an avatar based software program that alleviates social skills disorders for children on the autistic spectrum. Bernadette Mullen, MA, CCC-SLP is a New Jersey licensed Speech-Language Pathologist. Bernadette is a highly qualified in her field and she is a nationally certified member of ASHA holding her Certificate of Clinical Competency. She has worked in the field of special education for 35 years. She has owned and operated Speech Start, a private practice in Hazlet, New Jersey for 18 years. She has extensive training in the areas of apraxia, language based reading disorders, autism spectrum disorder, behavior management and sensory processing disorders. Bernadette’s current professional focus is on social skills training programs. She is presently curriculum director for SILAS Solutions. This program is being implemented in multiple schools throughout the state for the purpose of improving special learners ability to socialize with their peers. The program includes both a computer program and a social skills curriculum This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx