DISCUSSION FORUM

As you all know, on a daily basis, I’m looking for news or trends that can help us all thrive with autism. Well based on your response to me over a few recent Special reports, it looks like I’ve found something big.

A coupla weeks ago I started intently focusing on technology… specifically, the iPad/iPhone/iTouch family of Apple devices and “apps for autism.” If you follow the news, the iPad is all the rage among computer-philes for many reasons. But among those using computers, dealing daily with autism, they’re finding the iPad little short of amazing.

I’ve also found some folks like Lorraine Akemann of momswithapps that are out there on the front lines developing these applications. And they’re looking for people like us that can help them design the next greatest software package to help our population of special kids. I hope you all realize just how opportunistic this really is. So here’s what I’m going to do.

I’m starting a new Autism hangout Feature Program Series called Apps for Autism. And I’m going to focus on finding what’s new, what’s helpful and what’s hopeful. I’ve got a number of developers already lined up the wings, so it will just be me getting around to recording their stories and demos. But there’s a fair amount of excitement soon to arrive, so please be patient.

I love it when you write me and tell me your interests. And I love it that you’re a part of Autism Hangout. Thanks again for watching.

Here's the announcement: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=140





Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 09/21/2010 :  13:40:08      

HERE'S THE FIRST REPORT THAT STARTED THIS TOPIC.



Meet Shannon DeRoches Rosa and her son Leo. A $5 raffle ticket resulting in an iPad positively changed both their lives. The iPad may have an equally positive effect on you and your loved one with autism.

Hear Shannon talk about her experiences with the device and several readily available software programs (MANY more are coming).

This is the first in a series of interviews I will be doing on the iPad and programs to help our special kids thrive.

Hear Shannon's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r...s.asp?id=124

More on Shannon at: www.squidalicious.com and www.blogher.com



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 09/21/2010 :  13:41:25      

PROLOQUO2GO

Everyday, parents and teachers of kids on the spectrum discover the effectiveness of computers as learning and communications aids. But Apple’s introduction of the iPod Touch, the iPhone and most recently, the iPad have kicked the development of educational and AAC software into hyper-drive. What’s coming out today is nothing short of remarkable in its ability to engage, teach skills and provide communications assistance to those with disabilities.

Meet David Niemeijer, the founder of Assistiveware – the manufacturer of Proloquo2go. Assistiveware is an Amsterdam-based software company meeting the needs of challenged individuals… especially those with autism.

Hear David's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=138

For more info: www.assistiveware.com and www.proloquo2go.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 09/21/2010 :  13:42:15      

Meet app developer and momswithapps founder, Lorraine Akemann. Lorraine has assembled a group of app developers with similar interests (and compassion) and put them all in one place for parents of special kids (like ours). What a terrific idea! But what's more terrific is the caliber and quality of the programs themselves.

In this interview, Lorraine details a few of the many programs available for families and special needs kids. You can see/find more at: http://www.autismhangout.com/myhang...tID=4&id=403

Yay for our kids! And yay for the developers at www.momswithapps.com!


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/08/2010 :  06:42:24      

Have a look at Sentence Builder, Question Builder and Story Builder... more incredibly helpful Apps for Autism.



Meet Kyle Tomson, father to a child on the spectrum and member of Moms with Apps. To help meet his daughter's communications needs, Kyle developed not one, but three amazing programs (and two more are on the way)! In this video, Kyle demonstrates his programs... all three popular with teachers/educators as well as caregivers.

Hear Kyle's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=141

More on Kyle's company and other software programs here: www.mobile-educationstore.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/13/2010 :  13:27:09      

MyTalkTools is a first-of-its-kind communications app. It's not only a great "stand-alone" AAC mobile device, but Bick Pratt has designed it with a much larger "collaborative vision" in mind: MyTalkTools offers you a chance to share programs with others. SLPs and OT are already at work producing programs that just might help you make an even better communications program. And we all know, sharing our knowledge makes thriving with autism possible.

Hear Bick's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=142



Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/15/2010 :  12:18:12      

Meet Lisa and Jeffrey Johnson, the developers behind two new communications apps.

Initially developed to assist their son Graham, these programs are now being used by parents, caregivers, teachers, OT/PTs and more. And continuous enhancements and improvements are made as they are reported from users the field. You gotta love being a developer in this day and age! Thank you Lisa and Jeffrey.

Hear their interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=143

More info at www.grembe.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/15/2010 :  16:19:19  

Craig,

Just found your podcast! How amazing! I wanted to share with you about out company and our apps for children with communication disorders. We would love to hear what you think.
We have several apps that are used to improve the communication skills of children with Autism such as iPractice Verbs and WhQuestions.
HEre is our website www.smartyearsapps.com

We would love to keep in touch

Posted - 10/25/2010 :  07:09:37      

iComm from Mia's Apps - More "Apps for Autism"



Meet Martin Brooks, another parent of a special needs child that has developed a remarkable communications app. Indeed! iComm has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Apps for Children with Autism by Gadgetsdna.com.

Hear Martin and Mia's story (with iComm demo) here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=146

More on iComm at: www.miasapps.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/27/2010 :  07:36:34      

Lisa is the mother of Grace, a child on the spectrum dealing with communications issues. Lisa developed a real-life, 3D solution for Grace's inability to speak but she realized, as an iPhone app, the program could not only better assist Grace, but enable other users to communicate. So she sought out help in developing this remarkable program.

Hear and see the Grace App in this interview: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=147

More information is available at: http://graceappforautismoniphone.blogspot.com/


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 10/28/2010 :  09:12:07  

Thanks so much for the opportunity to explain exactly what Grace App is and how my Gracie helped it to come about. xx

lisamareedom Grace App

Posted - 11/01/2010 :  17:32:54      

"Donating 1,500 'Premium' apps to teachers" - Meet the developer of Faces iMake, Eyal



Here's another example of someone wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Meet Eyal, the creative genius behind Faces iMake.

Although he might blush at my description of him, clearly Eyal sees possibilities in reaching and teaching children of all ages using his non-traditional, non-conventional "game + education" model. Faces iMake - a collaboration between Eyal and world renowned artist Hanoch Piven - demonstrates the creative approach. And with over 600,000 downloads of this app to date, it appears his model is working.

A gifted musician, Eyal is highly motivated to make his dream of helping kids creatively discover their authentic selves a reality.

Hear Eyal's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=148

More on Faces iMake at: www.imaginemachine.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 11/04/2010 :  14:19:08      

"We build apps to improve kids communications skills" - Meet Barbara Fernandes



Barbara Fernandes is a speech and language pathologist. She came to America from her native Brazil to learn more about AAC.

Early on, Barbara recognized autism is blind to demographics and borders. People around the globe are looking for ways to augment their children's issues. As a natural technophile, Barbara decided her goal is to develop effective communications apps for children of all disabilities and races. With 15 apps in up to 3 languages now available through her company - Smarty Ears Apps - she's well on her way.

Hear about "Expressive" - her latest release, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=149

More information can be found at: www.smartyearsapps.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/01/2010 :  11:23:50      

"Off We Go!" Meet Author/app developer, Avril Webster



"Improving the quality of life of all children... promoting inclusion of everyone in day to day activities."

This is the Mission Statement found at the "Off We Go!" website. "Off We Go!" books (and now apps) prepare children for everyday experiences and improve language and social skills. They also encourage kids to take part in activities that they might otherwise find overwhelming.

Meet the author/developer of the "Off We Go" book and apps series, Avril Webster.

Hear Avril's conversation here:

More on "Off We Go!" at www.offwego.ie


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/13/2010 :  13:42:56      

Apps for Autism from Fraser.org - Meet Director Chris Bentley



The prestigious Fraser organization has been helping children with special needs for over 70 years... the last 20 include a focus on autism.

Fraser is launching into new technologies to deliver their proven techniques and services. Watch Fraser Director Chris Bentley demonstrate "My Healthy Smiles" (a trip to the dentist) and QuickCues, two apps to help educate, lower stress and improve the lives of those on the spectrum.

Hear Chris's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=153

For more information, visit: www.fraser.org


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 12/29/2010 :  11:03:46      

"Language Builder" - The 4th of Kyle Tomson's Apps for Autism "Builder" series.



Kyle Tomson is nothing short of amazing. He's got a day job... and a child on the spectrum. In his spare hours, he has developed "Sentence Builder, Question Builder" and "Story Builder" to aid her learning.

See Kyle's interview talking about these Apps here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=141

The Apps have worked so well with her, Kyle put them in iTunes/the Apple Store. Today, parents worldwide are sharing the benefits of Kyle's Apps. But he didn't stop there.

In this interview, Kyle talks about his latest App for Autism, Language Builder. Language Builder functions as the rest of the Builder series and in this case, helps kids develop expressive language and construct sentences for meaningful conversation. Thanks, Kyle!

Hear the interview at: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=156

More information at: www.mobile-educationstore.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 01/30/2011 :  16:37:52  

In all these application windows you are talking about "children" - can they also assist those a little older who have "missed out" on appropriate education - those who have left school - 17 upwards?

Posted - 02/11/2011 :  14:11:36      

Meet Autism App Tester, Gary James.



Gary James is on a mission. As a father of two special needs kids, he's reviewing every app he can find that will help them. And he's discovering treasures!

Gary's efforts are benefiting his kids... but he knows they can help many more. As such, Gary has dedicated a website to document his findings. Anyone can read his candid, in-depth reviews and comments and find learning treasures for their kids.

Note that Gary is freely sharing his time, learnings and resources. Like so many people in this extraordinarily compassionate and generous autism community, Gary is helping us all learn to "thrive with autism." Thanks, Gary!!

Hear Gary's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=161

More at: www.a4cwsn.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/02/2011 :  07:54:23      

Developer David Niemeijer of Assistiveware introduces "Pictello" - More Apps for Autism



Assistiveware is on a roll. Proloquo2go is one most successful apps for autism in the marketplace today. And, thanks to audience feedback, it continues to evolve.

David now brings us "Pictello" - an app for making and sharing talking photo albums (social stories).

The video used to demo Pictello in this interview is courtesy of Gary James of Apps 4 Children With Special Needs (www.A4CWSN.com).

Hear David's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=169

More on Assistiveware at www.assistiveware.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/07/2011 :  13:11:42      

Meet "Apps for Autism" Author, Lois Brady.



Lois Brady is a San Francisco-based speech and language pathologist actively working with today's growing roster of apps. She's finding many that entertain and some that assist her in meeting a child on the spectrum's IEP goals. She's so excited by the latter that she's writing a book about it.

In this interview, Lois talks about the categories in which most of today's apps fall. She also mentions Future Horizon's upcoming "ebook" and companion website which accompanies her "Apps for Autism" book. The online publications are designed to keep content up-to-date. Congrats to Lois and Future Horizon's on this effort!

Hear Lois' interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=170


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/14/2011 :  17:00:57      

Meet speech and language pathologist, Eric Sailers. Eric is the developer of the speech practice program, Artikpix from rinnapps.

In this interview, Eric talks about the (evidenced- based) research behind the Artikpix and gives a demo.

Hear Eric's interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=171

More info at: www.rinnapps.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/22/2011 :  13:41:36      

Meet the developer of "OneVoice", Nathan Barry. More "Apps for Autism"



The selection of augmented communications apps for Apple iProducts continues to grow. But sometimes "less" is "more" as the developer of this unique program has discovered. The reduction didn't come at a cost in functionality. One of the primary benefits of fewer options is "easy of use"... or, in the case of our special kids, less "user stress."

This interview includes a video demo of the app.

Hear the interview here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=172

More info at: www.onevoiceapp.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 03/29/2011 :  06:02:07      

What are you doing for World Autism Day? (or this Friday 1st April)
I am setting my app for autism to FREE on the App Store


"My goal is to engage and inform as many educators, therapists, parents, carers and service providers about Grace App and hopefully as a result, get the gift of independent expression to as many people with Autism and other disabilities as possible. Everyone should have the right to say what they want. My aim is for them to get it"

Lisa Domican April 2011

Many kids with autism or speech delay use pictures attached to a board to ask for what they need or say how they feel. These boards are stored in a book which they have to carry around with them. Even if and when they begin to say a few words, they may be difficult to understand and so they rely on a growing picture vocabulary which can become very unwieldy. As the mother of a severely autistic little girl with a few words but many pictures, I wanted to keep supporting her speech development by prompting her to use her own voice - with the support of her pictures anywhere.

And that is where the Grace App for Autism came in.

Grace App replicates the picture exchange system by storing a basic picture vocabulary on an iPhone. It can also be used on iPod Touch and iPad.

There is also a facility for finding, taking and sharing photographs of all the other things that you need or want. Just teach the child or user to add their own pictures independently
giving them power over their communication choices which leads to trust.

Thanks to the support of the Autism community, Grace App has been improved and we are delighted to be launching a major update.

And to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on 2nd April, we're setting the App to free.
Anyone who uploads Grace App on the day will own it forever and will get all updates free AND It can be shared with up to 30 devices per iTunes account to support Autism Classes and Schools.

For more information and to download the Grace App System Manual, please see our website www.graceapp.com


Bio: I am the mother of 2 kids with Autism. Liam who is now 13 and Gracie who is 11. They were born in Brisbane, Qld where we lived until Gracie was 2.

We "returned" to Ireland in 2001 so my husband could enjoy the Celtic Tiger in the land of his birth. (He's from Tallaght) And thanks to the existence of the ABA network in Ireland, I was able to implement a home program using tutors who had worked in schools like Saplings. In 2008 we were accepted into Saplings Rathfarnham and our home life improved hugely as they now had all their educational needs met in school. With time on my hands for the first time in 7 years, I worked for Irish Autism Action and through their association with O2, developed the Grace App for iPhone.

My background pre-children was in Sales and that stood me well when it came to knocking down doors to get services for my kids. I'm also a communicator and have blogged for a number of years about my personal experiences in Autism on hammie-hammiesays.blogspot.com - I was asked to create a blog for Irish Autism and then set up their social media networks on Twitter and Facebook, the proudest achievement of which is the virtual support group that operates there.

Having realised my vision of Grace App in early 2010, I decide to focus on it full time and left Irish Autism to set up my own business last year. My goal is to engage and inform as many educators, therapists, parents, carers and service providers about Grace App and hopefully as a result, get the gift of independent expression to as many people with Autism and other disabilities as possible. Everyone should have the right to say what they want. My aim is for them to get it!

Lisa Domican 2011


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/04/2011 :  15:36:28      

Meet the developer and CEO of "TapToTalk", Phil Bookman - More "Apps for Autism"



Seasoned software veteran Phil Bookman is using his formidable skills to help our non-verbal, special needs kids communicate. TapToTalk was an early-in app first developed for the Nintendo DS crowd, but today - with literally thousands of installs - it's assisting personal communications across all age groups and technology platforms.

In this interview, hear Phil demo TapToTalk and discuss how this "free" install can be both practical and expandable.

Hear the interview here:

More information at: www.taptotalk.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/09/2011 :  12:37:30      

The builder of "Builders" (apps) introduces one more - Kyle Tomson Returns!



App developer Kyle Tomson just keeps puttin' out the good stuff! In this interview, he talks about Conversation Builder, the latest App for Autism.

This app functions like the rest of his "Builder" series by providing structure and practice that assists users in understanding and participating in everyday conversations. Conversation Builder helps kids identify and then implement conversations based on cues and hierarchies we use to forming meaningful friendships.

Thanks, Kyle!

Hear Kyle's interview, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=175

More information at: www.mobile-educationstore.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!

Posted - 04/17/2011 :  16:23:58      

Meet the Co-developer of "The Feelings Book" App, Amy Laurent - More "Apps for Autism"



Amy Laurent is an occupational therapist, a special education teacher and a college-level instructor of future autism specialists. In 2000, Amy and her colleague, Emily Rubin- a speech pathologist, combined their formidable skills, backgrounds and experiences into "The Feelings Book." And now that exceptional learning tool is available as an App (at the iTunes store).

In this interview, Amy talks about her work with Emily Rubin on The Feelings Book App and gives a demo.

Hear Amy's interview, here: http://www.autismhangout.com/news-r....asp?id2=177

More at: www.amy-laurent.com


Autism Hangout: Learning, sharing, thriving!