Courtesy: apple.com
By now, we’ve all heard that iPads can be very helpful to children with autism, allowing them to communicate desires and feelings in ways not otherwise possible. Gone is the keyboard and mouse as the child now has direct control over the entire interface. The devices are considered “cool” and don’t call unwanted attention to a child.
If you’ve committed to getting an iPad for your child, you already know that it can be a dilemma figuring out which ones are the best and most appropriate.
Speech therapist Lois Brady uses “iTherapy” extensively with her patients with autism and has authored the book “Apps for Autism."
Brady has compiled a list of her most highly recommended apps that specifically address expressive language, which include:
* Proloquo2go by AssistiveWare
* My Choice Board by Good KarmaApplications
* Assistive Chat by Assistive Apps
* Predictable by Therapy Box
* TapSpeak Button by TapSpeak Apps
* Sign 4 Me by Signing Apps
Additionally, for those with PCs, Martin van der Kooij has developed Picto Selector specifically for the
PC, which has also recently become available for MAC. For more information, visit: http://www.pecsforall.com
With so many choices, the world of iPad apps can be daunting. It’s good there are professionals like Ms. Brady who have examined every app under the sun and is able to share her assessment and opinions with
us.
If you would like to hear Ms. Brady compare and contrast these apps you can find her valuable information in the video below:
It’s really great to see professionals like Lois Brady take the time to share their perspectives and recommendations on apps for children with Autism. As the founder of Brain Parade, a company that makes iPad apps for children with Autism, the most frequent question I get from people is – “How do I find the best apps for my child?” It can be quite overwhelming for people to wade through the almost 500,000 apps in the iTunes store or the 300,000+ apps in the Android stores. I even dedicated a portion of my website to point visitors to other sites that provide lists and reviews of apps for special needs. I look forward to reading Lois’ book!
-Jim McClafferty
Founder, Brain Parade
http://www.brainparade.com
info@brainparade.com
Thanks for your comment and link
SM
As there are many iPad apps that are designed to help Autistic children, I thought that you and your readers would be interested in our product iBallz, which serve to protect iPads and other tablets from drops. I know some parents may be wary to use such an expensive device as an educational tool, however, this product ensures that the unit and the screen won’t break if the tablet is accidentally knocked to the floor. Basically, the four foam balls attach to the corners of the device and cushion it if it slips out of their hands, off of desks, etc, providing total 360 degree protection. You can check out the comfort, functionality, and ease of use of this product at our website: http://www.iballz.info.
sound like a good idea!
I wanted to say thanks to Mrs. Brady for the great info about apps for children with autism. I have a question I hope that someone can help me with. I am an SLP and I recently started seeing a child with autism who is very bright, but memorizes most information and requires prompts to use verbal language. What is the best app for Ipad to use with him to help facilitate more expressive language. The previous SLP had very little success with a variety to techniques she tried to increase expressive language, but was hoping that I could come up with some other ideas. He really is a smart child, but we have been unable to figure out how to help him use more expressive language beyond the “I want” phrases or sentences. Please help. I would like to purchase Mrs. Brady’s book, but in the mean time, what do I do? Thanks!
I can’t help you with your question, but here a contact page for Lois Brady: http://www.proactivespeechtherapy.com/contact.html
Alexicom Tech has a full language AAC application for both apple and android. With many great features such as over 1200 pages and over 7000 images, communication is easy and efficient. Check it out at http://www.alexicomaac.com!
Hi,
I would like to draw attention to our new app, called iPicto, for iPhone, iPod Touch
and iPad.
This app is designed to guide people with a (mental) disability, with or without
dementia/alzheimer, asperger, autism and / or a disorder in communication.
This new app iPicto is also a very good tool in learning a way of communication,
for example speech difficulties.
I refer you for further information, visit the App Store.
See for it: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ipicto/id423225072?mt=8&ls=1
and
http://ipicto.applereports.com/iPicto/Welkom.html
Thank you for attention,
Sincerely,
Erwin van den Hout
The Netherlands
Although still early days and some cautious needed till detailed evidence-based research are done, but so far anecdote evidence from parents, special education professionals internationally on the use of iPad with individuals with autism have been very promising. Thanks autismhangout, Lois and Susan for producing this video and article.
I’m the founder of Hearty SPIN – Solutions for People In Needs, a social enterprise startup. We have collaborate with special education professionals, therapists to develop Picture AAC, an iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch app that aims to help non-verbal individuals with more challenging forms of autism, and other speech impairments related disabilities to communicate with pictures. Pilot trial results with students from a local special school have been very promising.
Check here for more details: http://www.heartyspin.com/solutions/pictureaac/
Witnessing first-hand how simply disengaged children with autism become focused and interested in learning when using suitable iPad apps to learn and communicate, I’m very excited with the potentials of this technology.
Cheers
KhengWah
http://www.heartyspin.com
Good luck with your enterprise.
A short time ago I was looking at an app for my granddaughter, she, is autistic, it was called speak and talk, it was aired on 60 minutes, I can no longer found it on the website I was looking at. Can you help me find it again, it ran about 500.00 dollars. Thank You
Did you try contacting 60 Minutes?