According to a recent study conducted by TeachTown Inc., a Seattle-based autism research company, and supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, children with autism and children with Down syndrome using a new computer-assisted treatment program, "TeachTown: Basics," showed a 53 percent overall increase in receptive language, social understanding and cognitive skills.

Additionally, findings suggest computer-assisted programs like TeachTown: Basics can increase children's interest and motivation, language and social interaction and provide treatment at a significantly reduced cost. In addition, it may be an excellent option for rural, low and middle-income families who do not have access to trained professionals or who cannot afford the services. For those children currently enrolled in services, computer-assisted programs can be utilized to supplement and reinforce skills.

"TeachTown has spent five years developing a computer-assisted treatment program that shows solid evidence of increasing language and socialization skills among children with autism," says Chris Whalen, PhD, founder and chief science officer of TeachTown. "The results from this study are promising and affirm TeachTown's methods; however, more research needs to be done in this new area to continue to develop bigger and better resources for children and their families."

Study findings include:

• Significant changes were observed for children with autism and children with Down syndrome using the TeachTown: Basics software with a 53 percent increase from pre to post-tests.
•  Instead of paying less attention to others while on the computer, as most people would, children with autism showed the opposite profile – paying more attention to those in the room and showing more positive  social behaviors
• Children with autism demonstrated dramatic changes in language and social behaviors (105 percent increase) while using the TeachTown: Basics program compared to baseline play sessions with their parents
• The children used more spontaneous comments (e.g., "Look Mom, a rocket ship!")
• Children also looked at their parents more and showed more enjoyment (i.e., positive affect)
• While appropriate language went up, inappropriate language decreased
• Positive social behaviors went up, while inappropriate behaviors such as tantrums and avoidance went down
• Inappropriate language and behaviors decreased by 61 percent for children with autism while using the TeachTown: Basics computer program compared to baseline play sessions with their parents.
• Inappropriate behaviors and inappropriate language also decreased in the off-computer activities (44 percent decrease) compared to baseline play sessions

"I was very impressed with the fact that TeachTown: Basics is totally research based, and it is something that is adaptable and complementary with any of the other programs that the child's likely to be involved in: clinic-type programs, school programs, as well as in the home," says Laura Schreibman, PhD, of the UC San Diego Autism Research Lab in California.

"We cannot stress enough what an important tool this is," says Tom McGurk, parent of Conner, age 6. "Our only wish is that this program had been available when our son was first diagnosed."

The complete study is available online at www.teachtown.com/research.

Source: TeachTown Inc.