iPad gives voice to kids with autism

Check out this link:

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/05/14/tech/gaming-gadgets/ipad-autism/index.html?eref=rss_health

What do you think?

iPad app. to aid communication for non-verbal students

This is a link to an app. that I'm just trying with one of my students.
I've only just downloaded it today and had a very quick try but the student concerned really liked it.
I have downloaded the free version - Tobii Sona Flex Lite.
I am not sure if you only get a limited time useage with the Lite version - as it did start 'saying' to me - that it was the free version.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Tobii Sona Flex

N.B. The full version costs $124.99 !!!

iPads for students with Autism

Check out this Fox News item - I'm particularly interested in the Tobii Sonar Flex app. mentioned.  I've just started using a 'paper' version of this with a couple of my students- well something similar - so I definitely want to check this out.  I'll let you know how I get on.


http://video.foxnews.com/v/1643346152001/ipad-apps-unlocking-communication-with-autistic-students/

iPad Stand

Looks great - from YooBee in Newmarket, Auckland.
Not sure cost - will see if I can find out.

Apps for Students with Autism

Check out the link below for loads of brief reviews on apps to use with students with autism.
Also further links to other useful sites.

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps

Apps for Autism - from TV show 60mins (USA)

Check out this You Tube Clip taken from the TV show '60 Minutes' (USA) - all about Autism and the iPad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_8b7PgnNQQ

Workshop 4 (from Mobile Devices in Classroom Conference)

Here are my (very brief) notes from the final workshop I attended at the conference.

This session was led by Gilda Harfod and Karina Williams of Summerland Primary. - iPads for literacy with junior students.

First we looked at Magnetic ABC.  Basic use for spelling.  Great motivator, kids keep focussed.  Like a whiteboard without the mess - no lost pen lids, tissues, etc.

Next we looked at Word Magic - I liked this - have since used it with one of the students in my class for basic spelling.

Looked at Little Speller First Words - bit like Clicker 5(?) - didn't get chance to have a proper look at this one - but I will check it out.

Sock puppets - these puppets copy what you say -  great to encourage kids to talk.


Also to finish here is a link to one of the speakers blogs who I didn't get chance to hear speak on the day - Allanah King:
http://allanahk.edublogs.org/2011/11/19/ipad-sharing-3-apps-to-support-children-with-very-special-needs/

Cause and Effect type apps.

Request from Carol:
"Letter formation a bit above my guys (most of them anyway). I need more cause and effect type apps (like that cool music one on Debra's blog). Any more suggestions?"

Apps from DTSL Assistive Technology

Steph shared this link:

http://assistive.dtsl.co.nz/category/128-applications.aspx?pageindex=1

Several apps. worth a look at.

Cheers Steph.

Thick stylus

Well the stylus pens I ordered off Daily Do still haven't arrived and now I've just spotted these:

http://www.studioneat.com/products/cosmonaut

Think they'd be great for some of our kids - what do you think?  I might invest in one.

Letter Formation Apps:

Hi Guys,
I'm working on letter formation with one of my students.  I thought I would download three apps. and see how the student got on with them.
These are the 3 apps:

1. abc:

2.  ABC Tracing:

3.  Little Writer:

Has anyone tried any of these.  Have you tried any other letter formation apps?
I'll let you know how I get on with these three but in the meantime please let me know if you have any other info on apps. for letter formation.

Thanks.

kids!!!

Nothing to do with iPads but a fun read:

http://www.parentdish.co.uk/2012/04/17/the-real-50-things-to-do-before-you-are-12/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cuk%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk1%26pLid%3D105707

Workshop 3 (from Mobile Devices in Classroom Conference)

The third workshop I attended during the Conference was:

"iPads to support the learning of children with special needs"
by Megan Matia and Sue Grenfell of Summerland Primary.

Loads to take in here!!  Information overload - brain clogged!!! - but all awesomely fascinating and valuable.

My notes/copied info from session:

Research:

Some research has shown that the

special needs students who have

benefitted from the use of the touch

screen iPads, include those with autism,

attention deficit disorder(ADD), dyslexia

and auditory processing issues.

Research in this area is vast and ongoing.

Autism and iPads:

Below are 5 basic skills which autistic children learn by

playing games and puzzles on their iPad:

 Social skills

 Fine motor skills

 Language and communication skills

 Sensory skills

 Stress reduction

 Mark Coppin, the Assistive Technology Director at the

Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota

says that the iPad is used in their special education

programs for autistic children; the hands-on design of

the iPad interface is much simpler for autistic children

to use than a keyboard and monitor.

Here are 10 popular iTunes apps which are marketed towards parents and educators of children with autism:

 Proloquo2Go Highly recommended for kids and adults with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome,developmental disabilities, apraxia, ALS, stroke or traumatic brain injury, this app-turned-AAC device utilizes colorful stick-figure illustrations and features an up-to-date vocabulary, text-to-speech voices and automatic conjugations.

 Grace This innovative app allows special-needs children to communicate through complete sentences by

linking together colorful images and symbols in this fully customizable application.

 iCommunicate for iPad Create pictures, flashcards, storyboards, routines, visual schedules and recordcustom audio in any language with this versatile program; incorporates pictures from your camera orGoogle images. Helps to teach social skills for children with autism.

 First Then Visual Schedule Ease transitioning for children with developmental delays such as Autism Spectrum Disorders by introducing this easy-to-customize scheduler into your special-needs curriculum.

 iConverse An inexpensive program designed for iPhone and iPod touch, this app functions as a picture exchange communication system (PECS) for autistic children and autistic adults alike, as well as others with communicative disabilities.

 AutismExpress This free app displays basic facial expressions in a way which is comical and instructional; excellent for children who have difficulty understanding emotions.

 stories2learn Illustrate your own social stories for children with autism, using pictures, text and audio with this customizable program geared towards enriching the curricula of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

 MyTalk Mobile The MyTalk Mobile is an AAC device for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch; it also boasts the “My Talk Workspace,” which saves all info on a backup file in case of device crashing.

 TapToTalk Make your own AAC albums with this app, currently including a library of 2,000 pics. Children can tap on each image to hear fun audio.

 iComm Children who have cerebral palsy or autism will appreciate this fundamental communication system; iComm is an affordable alternative to many of the pricier communication devices.

P.s the stories2learn - looked pretty good - so will investigate when I have time : )

Other Apps and information:

 Autism Apps is a free app which gives a

comprehensive list of apps that are being

used with and by people diagnosed with

autism, Down syndrome and other special

needs.

 Youtube video: search ‘iPad Apps for

Autistic and Nonverbal Children’

Interesting sites:

http://www.b12patch.com/blog/autism/10-great-ipad-apps-for-autistic-children/ 

http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-for-autism 

http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism 

http://kidsmattercanada.com/index.php/articles-of-interest/418-2/

http://www.gadgetsdna.com/10-revolutionary-ipad-apps-to-help-autisticchildren/ 

5522/    

 

Workshop 2 (from mobile devices in classroom conference)

These are my notes from the second workshop I attended from the conference.

Workshop: iPads for Art - Janet Shephered - Summerland Primary.

Janet is a visual arts specialist accross Years 1-3.

She stressed that the iPads are another tool for her to work with - she still likes the 'dirty stuff' ie paint, clay, etc.

First we were shown the app. 'Live Sketch' - helpful with fine motor skills and helps kids to focus. 

(I thought this might be a bit tricky for my students???)


Next we were shown the app. 'Art Rage' - (I liked this one).

You can take a photo (or use a previously taken one) and trace over it. 

Good for self portraits, learning facial features
Janet said she often gave kids 'stylus' pens to use with this app.

Sorry - didn't take many notes during this session - too busy 'doing' - but check 'em out and see what you think.