Oct 214 min read

Assistive Technology Tools to Support Neurodivergent Youth and Adults

Updated: 6 days ago

By Lauren Margel, MSc., SLP, Reg. CASLPO, Speech Language Pathologist from SLP4ALL

Technology has revolutionized the way we live and learn - making tasks easier, information more accessible, and communication more efficient. But when it comes to education, there is something even more powerful: Assistive Technology (AT).

For neurodivergent students, and those with accessibility needs, AT opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It is not just about convenience it is about learning and creating opportunities for success.

What is Assistive Technology?

Assistive Technology refers to any technology with the potential to enhance the performance of persons with accessibility needs. Assistive technology is designed to improve functional capabilities for students, creating equity and inclusion. In the school setting, AT refers to hardware, software/apps and “tools” that can be used to accommodate skills required for academic participation and accessibility.

Common Assistive Technology Tools:

Common AT tools that may be present in an education setting:

Speech-to-Text – Converts spoken words into written text, reducing the need for handwriting and supporting students with difficulties in writing or typing.
Text-to-Speech – Reads text aloud, aiding in fluency, comprehension, and focus.
Screen Readers – Assist visually impaired students by reading digital content aloud.
Word Prediction – Suggests words during typing to improve writing speed and spelling accuracy.
Digitizing Documents – Converts physical documents into digital formats, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.
Digital Pencils – Facilitates digital note-taking and writing for students who struggle with traditional handwriting (e.g., stylus)
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) – Converts images of text into editable and searchable digital content.
Audio Recording – Helps students capture spoken information for later review.
Transcription and Closed Captioning – Supports students with hearing impairments/auditory processing concerns by providing text versions of spoken content.
Visual Supports – Tools like camera use, zoom features, and contrast adjustments assist students with visual processing difficulties.
Memory Aids and Focus Tools – Help with concentration and retention of information, vital for students with memory or attention challenges.

How Assistive Technology Helps in the Classroom

Assistive technology does more than just bridge gaps—it empowers students to fully engage in their education. Here’s how AT can make a big difference:

Organizing Schoolwork - Keeping track of assignments, notes, and deadlines becomes much easier with the help of AT tools.
Time Management - AT tools assist students in planning out their day, scheduling study time, and breaking down larger tasks into manageable chunks.
Note-Taking and Writing - With AT, note-taking becomes more efficient, and students who struggle with writing can express themselves more clearly. Word prediction and speech-to-text are lifesavers for students who find writing difficult.
Staying Focused - Tools designed to minimize distractions help students focus on the task at hand, whether it’s reading a passage or completing an assignment.
Reading Support - Text-to-speech and screen readers make reading less of a challenge. These tools not only read the text out loud but also help with comprehension and engagement.
Memory and Study Aids - Need help remembering key information for a test? Memory aids and annotation tools help students retain and organize information for studying.
Math Support - AT tools can even assist with math, helping students understand concepts and solve problems with greater confidence.

Accommodations: Enhancing Learning, Not Replacing It

Parents often worry that assistive technology will interfere with students working on their areas of need and gaining necessary skills.

Assisstive technology accommodations should be combined with supporting areas of need. This combined approach ensures students continue to develop, while also addressing their immediate needs. Accessibility is crucial in the "here and now", allowing students to succeed, participate fully, and better engage with the curriculum. It’s not about choosing one approach over the other—accommodations and skill-building go hand in hand, working together in harmony. For example, we can focus on building reading skills, but also offer tools like text-to-speech to support their ability to learn via reading along the way.

Assistive Technology Roadblocks: Overcoming Common Challenges

Many parents and youth face common challenges with AT, which may include:

Assistive Technology “Burnout” - Assistive technology burnout happens when students become frustrated or overwhelmed by using technology that’s meant to help them but lack proper guidance or training. Without support, they struggle to make the technology work for their specific needs.
Good for the Classroom, But Not for Accessibility - Devices like Chromebooks may be useful in the classroom, but often fall short in meeting specific accessibility needs.
"Catch-All" Approach - Students are frequently provided with hardware, software, or apps as generalized assistive technology solutions, but without proper training on how to use these tools effectively for their individual needs.

Helpful Apps and Tools

Text-to-Speech / Speech-to-Text

Notability
GoodNotes
Natural Reader
Speechify
Google Read and Write

Calendars & Reminders

Notability
Awesome Calendar
Notion ($)
Motion ($)

Brainstorming, Organizing & Templates

Inspiration
Mindomo
Notability
Brilli

Audio Recording & Audio Books

Notability
Audible
PDF Expert
Libby/Overdrive
Easy Reader

Digitizing / Scanning Documents

Prizmo Scan (in OCR) for Text-to-Speech
Notability (if Text-to-Speech is not needed)

Word Prediction / Spelling

WordQ or iWordQ
Grammarly

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At SLP4ALL, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of their mission. They are dedicated to ensuring that all clients can fully participate in school, work, and life without barriers. Find more information at slp4all.com