Tuesday, September 21, 2010

iSpy Autism-Friendly Apps for iPad: Part 2

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Tongue = Extreme concentration! 
 
Autism: got an app for that?  YES!!!!

Fresh Approach
Specialized apps are developed daily as word spreads about iPad's revolutionary accessible, intuitive use as a tool for Autism, Speech Apraxia, Sensory Processing, Cerebral Palsy, Physical Impairment, Down Syndrome and other special needs. 

Just So Right on So Many Levels
Ipads aren't cheap, but are less costly, more portable and manageable than other communication devices and systems for Autistic learning. Many apps are low-cost or FREE!  You don't need special training or classes to figure out the device or learn apps.  In fact, apps are so user-friendly, many children learn through experimental play.  Best of all, apps are fun - appealing and engaging. 

Share the Wealth
Ask your therapists if they have favorite iPad apps to suggest.  If they don't, suggest your favorites to them.  Ask your schools if they're integrating iPad learning into the classroom.  Apps for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers, Elementary, Middle and High School age and older are popping up, popping smiles and popping skills! 

Autism Hangout Special Reports by Craig Evans.

An enlightening interview with Moms With Apps founder, Lorraine Akemann:

Find it here: http://momswithapps.com/apps-for-special-needs/  Also take advantage of App Fridays to get offers of free apps. I've loaded up my iTouch with this offer - love it!    http://momswithapps.com/app-friday/

Craig Evans interview featuring Shannon DeRoches Rosa, a California mom who documented her 9 year old son's miraculous interaction with an iPad:



Check out http://www.babieswithipads.blogspot.com/  for more video examples of iPads utilized with Autistic children.  This site is a video documentation of the work of a talented developmental/vision specialist. She uses the iPad to help infants and toddlers with special needs. This is helpful to watch the children interact with technology.
 


Great site!  Thanks for sharing your work.  Thanks also to the children and their families for letting us share your incredible experience.  I really wish her site had a search feature by disability, age, and/or app.

Also see related posts:
http://allinadaysquirks.blogspot.com/2010/08/iwant-asd-apps-for-ipad.html
My recent iSpy Autism-Friendly Apps for Ipad post with videos (including Shannon DeRoches Rosa), app websites and app reviews and links galore.

http://www.bubblesmakehimsmile.com/2010/09/apps-for-autism.html
This mom's site has an extensive list of apps for ASD grouped into uses.  Apps for Social Goals, Apps for Communication, Apps for Behaviour, Relaxation, and Structure, Apps for Sensory Issues, Apps for Functional Issues, Apps for Productivity, Apps for Organization, and Apps for Academics
So helpful!  I'm going to explore new finds n the "Apps for Sensory Issues" category. 
Her list includes:
Time Timer $4.99    Visual Timer on the go!
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/time-timer/id332520417?mt=8

Kinetic Balls  FREE! Change images for capitivating, calm organizing visuals
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/kinetic-balls/id350685008?mt=8 

Tell Time $1.99
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/tell-time/id287509852?mt=8

A Mood Pad: reacts like heat-sensing mood ring  FREE!
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/a-mood-pad-heat-sensitive/id314162903?mt=8

Blowfish Poppers FREE!
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/blowfish-poppers/id326702379?mt=8

A new site to check out from Coolmompicks.com site is:
http://www.coolmomtech.com/educational/

Still saving...I'm hoping to get G's iPad for his upcoming 5th birthday, maybe Christmas...I'd love to claim ownership of my iTouch again someday.  For now he's welcome to it, he's loving it!  ;p
Happy App-ing!

More resources:
http://allinadaysquirks.blogspot.com/2010/08/iwant-asd-apps-for-ipad.html

http://www.squidalicious.com/2011/01/ipad-apps-for-autism-spreadsheet-of.html

http://www.scribd.com/doc/47441495/Jeremy-Brown%E2%80%99s-App-Recommendations-for-Students-with-Autism