Autism advocates look to tech but cash is an issue

Banking giant UBS recently gathered clients, staffers and tech experts who have a passion for helping those diagnosed with autism. SAN FRANCISCO – Some autism advocates are hopeful technology, from robots to custom-programmed Google Glass, can help individuals with the complex brain condition. "Technology can lead an autistic person to contribute to society when doing so face to face is difficult," said Scott Badesch, CEO of the Autism Society, addressing 50 invited guests who were brought together by banking giant UBS' philanthropic wing here last week. Badesch and others at the gathering -- lab researchers and autism advocacy group leaders, many of whom are parents of autistic children -- have high hopes emerging technology can help those afflicted with autism spectrum disorder interact with others and more fully participate in the world. As evidence of the power of tech to help, Badesch another others pointed to a recent YouTube video called "Dillan's Voice," in which an autistic teen speaks via a text-to-voice app on a tablet.