3. “The iPad wasn’t designed with autistic children in mind, but, anecdotally, the results are seemingly miraculous,” say’s well known technology bloggers (and Apple Critic) John Gruber. As Ashley Harrell of SF Weekly, reports, there are other computers designed for children with autism, but a growing number of experts say that the iPad is better. It’s cheaper, faster, more versatile, more user-friendly, more portable, more engaging, and infinitely cooler for young people. http://www.5minutesforspecialneeds.com/4803/ipad-for-autism-selecting-the-best-apps/
4. This presentation allows viewers to experience the effectiveness of the Ipad for individuals with autism by learning about 6 apps currently available. Information on each app includes price, category addressed, key features, screenshots and/or video clips. Hyperlink references are available at the bottom of each slide. There are an incredible amount of applications designed for users with autism, and more created everyday. For best results please view the presentation in full screen mode and control click on links to launch them in your browser.
5. Proloquo2Go Full-featured augmentative with natural sounding text-to speech voices. Features high resolution, up-to-date symbols, vocabulary of over 7000 items and word prediction. Price: $189.99 Category: Communication Itunes
7. First Words First words is an educational game the helps develop vocabulary words. There are 8 categories: alphabet, numbers, beach sports, fruits, colors and shapes. When you touch a picture it will tell you what it is. Also available is: First Words Lite, Kids Spanish and Kids Spanish Lite Price: $1.99 Category: Game http://www.appstoreapps.com/2009/01/27/first-words/
9. First Then Visual Schedule The First-Then visual schedule app is designed to provide positive behavior support. Uses images that show daily events or steps needed to complete a specific activity. This app is completely customizable and users can record voice messages or use the applications library. Utilize the stock image library or import your own. Price: $9.99 Category: Behavioral Support http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/first-then-visual-schedule/id355527801?mt=8#
11. GraceApp Price: $37.99 Category: Communication The Grace App is an electronic PECS system that can be customized by adding new images. The app does not include sound and aims to encourage users to use their own speech. http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/grace-picture-exchange-for/id360574688?mt=8#
12. http://vimeo.com/10629476 Interview with the parent behind the Grace App. She discusses not only the App and its functions but Theory of Mind, Joint Attention and the ethics of the Picture Exchange System http://graceappforautismoniphone.blogspot.com/2011/02/ipad-truly-mobile-or-just-portable.html Check out the post from February 1st. Discusses the difference between mobility and portability.
13. ArtikPix This app includes flashcard and matching activities that allows children to practice articulation. Features include recorded audio, voice recording and data collection. There are a total of decks available for purchase. Price: Free Category: Teaching http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/artikpix/id383022107?mt=8#
15. iCommunicate Create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, and visual schedules. Record custom audio or convert text to speech. Add pictures from camera or library. Price: $34.99 Category: Communication http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icommunicate/id320986580?mt=8#
16.
17. Video demonstration of iCommunicate including creating storyboards and adding check marks for completed itemshttp://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icommunicate/id320986580?mt=8#
18. Discussion Questions Please share your experiences with the Ipad. What are the benefits of the Ipad as compared to other augmentatives (why would you choose the Ipad instead?) Discuss the “socially appropriateness” of an Ipad in comparison to a larger augmentative. What do you think? 1 2 3 The developer of the Grace app discussed the differences between portability and mobility. Do you think the Ipad is portable or mobile? 4 5