Autism Apps!

6 Apps to Help Autistic Children Learn

 

Bitsboard by Grasshopper Apps; free; iOS: Helps autistic kids learn vocabulary and teaches them to read social cues, such as facial expressions.

 

Model Me Going Places by Model Me Kids; free; iOS: Offers slideshows that children can view before visiting a place they’ve never been before, such as a barbershop, and that shows them how to act once they get there.

 

Aurasma by Aurasma; free; iOS and Android: Uses augmented-reality to turn an iPad or other tablet into a hands-on guide that allows a child to walk around a house or other environment, point the iPad at an object and instantly view a tutorial video about how to use it.

 

Autism Tracker Lite by Track & Share Apps; free; iOS: Uses four screening tools to monitor a child’s activity level, diet and mood, as well as the weather and other factors, then gives feedback that may indicate causes behind a child’s behaviour.

 

Visual Schedule Planner by Good Karma Applications; US$14.99 or RM 45 (there’s a free version, too); iOS and Android: Gives parents of autistic kids a cleverly designed scheduling tool to help set up a clearly defined path for the child throughout the day, week and month.

 

Care Circles by SAP AG; free; iOS and Android: Lets parents and teachers collaborate on an action plan for a child, which they can update in real-time by entering notes on medications, changes in doses, doctor-visit reports, even behavioural observations. — McClatchy-Tribune Information Services

 

Taken from: http://www.thestar.com.my/Tech/Tech-News/2013/07/12/Six-apps-to-help-autistic-children-learn.aspx

"iPad as a Visual Modelling Tool"

Recently there was a snippet of EAP in the news. One of our therapists was observed using the iPad as a visual modelling tool. A visual model (or video model) is a form of observational learning in which desired behaviors are learned by watching a video demonstration and then imitating the targeted behavior. In other words, our therapists will record themselves engaging in the expected behavior and show it to the children. Our kids will watch the video and learn what is expected of them. Henceforth, therapist and child will role model and practice the targeted behavior.

 

Here at EAP Malaysia, the iPad is widely used by our kids and staff. Most times, the iPad is a motivating factor for our children, thus used solely as a reinforcer to reward our kids after they have reached a specific target or collected enough tokens. Other times the iPad can be used to do certain programs in a more approachable and fun way. Children can learn to differentiate items and match them to those similar as well as learn do to puzzles. With this method our children simultaneously become reinforced whilst learning.

puzzles

matching

While the iPad is widely used with our kids at EAP Malaysia, the most common usage of the iPad around the globe is as a communication tool. Those that are non-verbal can find their voice through the use of various apps that have been specifically designed for these individuals. Here's a short video showing how the use of an iPad can go a long way for individuals with autism.

More Apps to Help Develop Communication Skills.

Communicate Easy 

This iPad app can be used to help communicate with people who have language or learning difficulties.  It is geared towards special needs children such as those with Autism, Aspergers, ADD, or ADHD, but is also beneficial to younger children who are not yet verbal. Some of its key features include a Flexible Picture Communication System, the ability to Create Multiple Libraries, Apply Pictures, Sounds and States to Visual Prompts, and the Ability to Set up Visual Schedules. 

http://www.communicateeasy.com/

Communicating Basic Needs

This app was  created using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to allow children with autism or any other language deficit to easily and effectively communicate their basics needs and wants in five main categories: food, drink, clothing, toys and emotions, using actual photographs and real voices. 

Read more here: 

http://appshopper.com/education/comapp

Using the iPad as a Communication Aid

While Apple's I-Pad is known for its convenience and high-tech capabilities, it's also being used to help change the lives of kids diagnosed with autism. It helps them with Communication and this app motivates the child to learn more.

Here are some few examples to teach our child to learn academically as well to communicate with others.

ABA My First Words

The ABA My First Words App allows kids to view flash cards of some common first words as well as a matching game for pictures and words. The flash cards now have audio.

You can find this app www.itunes.apple.com

ABC KEYBOARD

Developed by parents, ABCKeyboard is a fun, interactive app for learning ABCs. Also great for learning keyboarding basics. Give your kids a jumpstart on learning the alphabet and typing! Give your kids a jumpstart on learning to read – learning letters is the first step. ABCKeyboard makes learning the alphabet easy and fun. Each letter includes an entertaining activity - it’s like getting 26 games in one!

You can find this app at www.itunes.apple.com

All About Me

All About Me is an application offering picture and text support to individuals learning their personal information. Twelve icons representing the child's name, address, birthday, home address, telephone number, family members names, pets, school, friends, favorite items, things I like, places I go and computer favorites are all included. These icons can be individualized with written text, audio and personal photos for added visual support.

You can find this app at www.igetitapps.com

Expedition with Plurals

Expedition with Plurals was created by a certified speech and language pathologist for PK–3 students to practice regular (e.g., cat/cats) and irregular plurals (foot/feet) in multiple contexts, targeting both receptive and expressive language skills and accompanied by recorded audio instructions. This fun and colorful app includes both an audio recording feature that allows students to hear their productions and a fun memory game that can be customized.

You can find this app at www.virtualspeechcenter.com

Written by 

Jerusha Jaffrey 

Consultant, EAP Malaysia