Video: New technology allows children with autism to speak

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What if you had a lot to say and could finally say it. Or better yet, hear yourself speaking a sentence for the first time.

The Hope Technology Project is using Hewlett-Packard’s new TouchSmart computer to change lives.

"Imagine not being able to talk but being able to think rationally. It's almost as if you are imprisoned,” said Dr. Dave Traver.

Not any more. By sampling Jordan's words and sounds, the computer can reproduce his voice, stringing his thoughts into coherent sentences.

"He can actually hear himself, which is very motivating for a child to be able to communicate with his own voice,” said Jen Straw, Hope Technology School.

For 14 years Jordan was non-verbal. After six weeks in this program he's become the talk of the school.

For 14 years Jordan was non-verbal. After six weeks in this program he's become the talk of the school.

"A tortured and anguish-filled existence now becomes a life,” said Dr. Traver.

And the school goes a step further. Gone are the days when kids diagnosed with autism were segregated from other students. Here they work and learn with everybody else.

"I love it because I can talk to my friends,” said Jordan.

It's called the Augmentative Assistive Communications Device. The kids just call it Lightwriter. It lets them type sentences and immediately play them back.

"I'm really funny, but couldn't tell people,” said Jordan.

"This is a technology that can be a catalyst to a communication explosion," said Dr. Traver.

With the Lightwriter and the TouchSmart computer, the future for these kids is right at their fingertips.