Apps for Autism

Apps for Autism by jessicadally

jessicadally says: The San Francisco Weekly had a great article on how wonderful the iPad had been for autistic children. "For autistic children, the new iPad is an effective, portable device for teaching communication and social skills. It's also way cool." Put together from an interview with several people including Shannon Rosa, the mother of an autistic child and author of a blog at blogher (see the links section) this list had the apps shared in this article. If you know of more to share please let me know in the comments section. I love seeing technology do more than it promises!

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jessicadally's picks

Proloquo2Go Using photographs this allows users to select pictures and assign a word to them which the iPad will speak for them. No longer do kids have to learn words with cartoon objects, they can learn using the things actually around them.
iConverse - Assisted Communication Used by a different child who is nonverbal this app allows her to communicate with her mother.
Stories2Learn A tool for teaching different life skills. Shannon is using this to teach her son how to eat like a gentleman. We all learn better with stories as it helps us relate and remember and this great app aids in learning for everyone with just this simple idea.
Draw Free for iPad This app has allowed Shannon's son to draw, something he hasn't been able to do on paper as he can.t use a pen or pencil very well. Most autistic children have issues grasping small objects so being able to draw with your finger on the iPad changes the game enough that artistic expression can come through.
First Then Visual Schedule This app basically shows a visual representation of a schedule including dragging, animation and sounds. This helps Shannon's son know when to expect dinner and helps calm some of the anxiety experienced by autistic children regarding what happens next.

Curated Links & Tweets

Shannon's Blog on BlogHer (Shannon Rosa)

iHelp for Autism (San Francisco Weekly)

Shannon's Website (Shannon Rosa)

Discussion

jessicadally

For more apps and how to tell if apps might be good for children with autism check out this article:
http://momswithapps.com/2010/08/04/characteristics-of-great-apps-for-kids-with-autism/

lydia2

http://www.appolicious.com/curated-apps/453-autism-apps
Also, you might look into some of the ABA stuff

Associated Apps: ABA Receptive by Noun, ABA – What Rhymes?, ABA - Which Does Not Belong?

erasmos

I've made an app that an academic had recently suggested would be good for those with autism; it's a unique type of clock.

Associated Apps: Erasmos Clock, Erasmos Clock (Free)

mira_maxima

Hi, I'm the designer of a new puzzle game for children, wich the a4cwsn.com comunity liked very much. It's a puzzle game for iPhone and iPad that has 100 images and after proper making it says the name of the figure in english. It develops fine motor skills and is slowly getting harder so it keeps the concentration high. You can learn more about the game here: http://www.meandbeegames.com

rlwllmsn

Try the next generation of apps. The new generation links the user with their app to those that support them. See AgileAssyst and U-Sync Video Scheduler for autism. Both connect the parent to the app over the Internet. Both send info two ways...no more stand alone apps...these types of smart apps are the future. Behavior Tracker Pro's portal is another example. These new smart apps are incredible.

jeoud

I just released an major update for Tapikeo HD for iPad, I think it could also fit in this category!
http://itunes.apple.com/app/tapikeo-hd/id462923679?mt=8

Associated Apps: Tapikeo HD - Create with your Kids their Picture Book, Storyboard, Soundboard and Audio Flashcards !

JakeSmith

TalkTablet has replaced Proloquo2go at a number of schools in our district. See... http://www.TalkTablet.com

Associated Apps: TalkTablet NEO

timshanesh

Hello. We have developed over 40 apps for Android and iOS for children with autism. These apps include academic and social skills. All apps are based on ABA. They can be found here.

Android - http://goo.gl/Cmfxo
iOS - http://goo.gl/7oVS2

findharrison

I am an Australian teacher and as bit of a geeky hobbie I've started building my own apps for my classroom. I've worked with quite a few special needs kids so I made my own iPad visual timetable to help my students get into a routine. I've published it on iTunes and am happy to share it with everyone for free - it's called 'What's On Today?'. Check out my edublog site for more info: http://mrhblog.edublogs.org/uni/

Associated Apps: What's On Today?