I AM JUAN CARLOS! Autism and ICT

I was really looking forward to doing this post, because I was so excited to be able to share our story with you; my personal experience with Juan Carlos. Juan Carlos is a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) whom I met last year in the internship of TEI (Early Childhood Education Technician). He is currently 5 years old, and it’s amazing how he’s been evolving and learning since we met. He is a very intelligent child, he understands everything, but speaking it is difficult for him; that is why it is very important to motivate him and correct him when he speaks.

From June 2020, I started going to his house to support him at school and at the same time spend time together, playing, walking, etc. I have always used technological resources with Juan Carlos. There is not a day that we do not listen to music and dance, as well as relax with the song "Massatges" by Dàmaris Gelabert.

Also, we watch episodes of cartoon series that he likes, where we always take the opportunity to interact with each other commenting on what happens in the episode; thus causing him to stimulate speech and understand what is going on. In the video you can see a short sequence.

Any stimulation for Juan Carlos is good. He needs a person to motivate him, encourage him and make him believe in himself and his strengths. I have been able to see that ICTs help Juan Carlos in his development of communication skills, they also enable his learning, as well as the acquisition of skills to become independent in the future.

Juan Carlos is a much-loved child, who fills your heart with love with just a smile. For me, being able to share those moments with him is priceless, because he learns from me, but I learn more from him. It is a transmitter of goodness and peace, of innocence and joy. Ever since it came into my life I am happier; my heart is stolen.

I always remember this phrase: "Your small steps are my great triumphs"

Thank you, Juan Carlos, you are wonderful!

(This post was written with the consent of his parents, as well as the publication of the video and the attached photos)