Overcoming difficulties with written expression

Published February 2019

Many students on the autism spectrum are challenged by both the physical aspects of writing by hand and the conceptual work involved in composing written texts. These challenges often affect the motivation of students on the spectrum leading them to avoid writing and detrimentally impacting their academic performance. 

The overall objective of this research was to support students on the spectrum to undertake writing tasks in mainstream classrooms through the development and evaluation of an intervention package consisting of an iPad application, ‘Power Writer’ and ancillary materials. 

Power Writer incorporates strategies previously been shown to be effective for students on the spectrum, including:

  • writing support software
  • a means of scaffolding written compositions known as Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD)
  • video-modelling.