TeachTown Inc., a Seattle-based autism research company conducted a research study recently on children with autism and children with Down syndrome using a new computer-assisted treatment program called TeachTown. The study which was supported by a grant from the Department of Education showed a 53% overall increase in receptive language, social understanding, and cognitive skills in autistic children.

The study findings suggest that computer-assisted programs like TeachTown can increase children's interest and motivation, language and social interaction, and provide treatment at a significantly reduced cost. This may also 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 of autism therapy.

The paper on this study is available on-line and currently at press in the Journal of Speech and Language Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis; 2006.

News and Photo Credit: PR Newswire