Does your child have ADHD? Let's learn about assistive technology that helps with learning.

If your child has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you probably know firsthand how much they struggle with schoolwork. It can be difficult for them to focus, especially when it comes to reading, writing, and math. But don't worry. With the advancement of technology, there are special devices, software, and tools that can help these children learn. We commonly call this 'Assistive Technology.' These can help develop a child's skills and build their self-confidence.

Assistive technology for reading disabilities

These methods can be very useful for children who have difficulty paying attention and understanding what they read.

1. Audiobooks

Simply put, this is a recording of a story or lesson in a book. Instead of reading it by looking at the text in the book, the child can listen to it. Imagine how much the child would like to be able to move around and walk around a bit while listening to a book while wearing headphones, rather than sitting in one place? Since it is difficult for such children to sit in one place, this is a good solution. There are places that provide such services online, sometimes for a small fee. You can use these through your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

2. Reading letters aloud (Text to speech)

This is also a very valuable software. What this does is, read out loud some letters in any English or other language on the screen of the computer, tablet or phone. The child can listen to that sound. Also, this software has facilities to increase or decrease the reading speed. As the child looks at the words on the screen, when he hears those words by ear, the ability to recognize words, the time of attention and the ability to understand what is being read increases. You may already have this feature on your phone or computer. Or you can download it.

3. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

This may seem like a complicated technology, but it is very useful. Imagine if you could take a photo of a lesson or worksheet in your child's school book with your phone's camera and have the software read the letters out loud for your child to hear. Even something on a street sign can be read this way. Some OCR devices can be carried in your hand like a pen. These are also called "scanner pens".

Assistive technology for writing difficulties

These are a great relief for children who have difficulty writing and taking notes by hand.

1. Word-prediction software

This works just like the word suggestions on our phones when we type. As soon as the child starts typing a word, this software predicts and shows what words he might need. This improves the child's vocabulary and helps him build grammatically correct sentences.

2. Portable word processors

These are small, computer-like devices. For a child who has difficulty writing down what the teacher says in class by hand and cannot write neatly, how much of a relief is it to be able to type on such a small device? Some of these devices also include the previously mentioned text-to-speech and word prediction software.

3. Speech recognition software

This is a great feature. When a child speaks into a microphone, the words they say are typed on the computer screen. This can save a lot of time and make it easier for children who have difficulty writing down their thoughts to express themselves. Your computer may already have this feature.

Assistive technology for math problems

Technology now helps even children who don't like to do math or have difficulty working with numbers.

• Talking calculator: This is like a regular calculator, but it speaks out loud every number, symbol, and answer the child presses. This helps them understand the exact numbers in a math problem and build confidence that they are pressing the correct buttons on the calculator.
• Electronic math worksheet: This is a computer program that allows children to solve math problems on the computer screen. It helps them organize the numbers and organize the steps of the calculation. Sometimes, the program can even read the numbers out loud.

Reminder Devices

Children with ADHD are easily distracted. At times like these, there are small devices that can help them get back on track. A good example is a vibrating watch . You can set the watch to vibrate as often as you want. Since only the child feels the vibration, he or she won't feel embarrassed in front of other children. Also, the teacher won't have to constantly tell them to "do your homework."

How to choose what is best for your child?

Before you buy anything, ask yourself these questions. This will help you make the right decision.

Talk to your child's school.

This is a very important step. Talk to your child's class teacher or principal about your child's situation and about techniques like these that can help you.

It is very important that you and the teachers work together to develop a plan for your child's learning needs and how you can help them. Some schools may have separate units or teachers to help children with these special needs. They may also have knowledge of these assistive technologies.

Private schools often provide these facilities as well. So, ask your child's school administration about this. The most important thing is to understand that you are not alone in this journey. Your child's doctor , the teachers at the school, and you will work together to provide the best support for your child.

ADHD, assistive technology, learning difficulties, child mental health, ADHD children, school education