Apps for Autism Apps That Can Make a Difference, and Why

Corina Becker | Autistic Self-Advocate autisticapp.blogspot.com | nostereotypeshere.blogspot.com www.AutismWomensNetwork.com

Shannon Des Roches Rosa | Autism Parenting Advocate shannonrosa@yahoo.com | www.squidalicious.com www.ThinkingAutismGuide.com

Autism/iPad Synergy
Dynamic graphics motivate
& engage visual learners

Voiceover lets pre-readers

participate

No cursor analogy:
direct touch screen

Fine motor ease stylus:

mouse not required

Portable, can learn & play

anywhere, any time

Learning: Structured Setting

iPad: not just AAC
Device (Note: iOS 6 has Guided Access for locking apps)

Apps are organized

and accessible, break learning into discrete chunks

Apps spreadsheet:
www.squidalicious.co m/p/on-ipads.html

Social and Play Opportunities

Attracts siblings and
peers: social capital

Can support social

skills, formally and informally

Independent leisure
time Learning activities Games Videos

Overuse & Abuse?

Do autistic kids obsess over screen technology? For kids like my son Leo, independent is good! All kids need supervision, some need support to
maximize iPad benefits

Valid concern for kids who crave screen time can

manage with timer apps, Guided Access (iOS 6)

Autistic adults say Yes, were visual and very

focused, why not explore how to harness these traits productively?

iDevice & App Benefits

Life-long learning Developing and Maintaining
Independence

Communication Sensory Input Management

Apps & Autistic Adults

Lack of Apps Designed for Autistic Adults
Mostly adapted from childrens apps Apps for Non-Autistic Purposes EpicWin Grocery List iPrompts

Now tests out apps

Corina: Personal Experience

At first used iPods for sensory management
/ filtering Walkman, then Discman

Apps for Assistive Communication Affordable Easy-to-Use Portable Do not stand out Cool

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