Nov 27, 2011

Apps,, Ipads, Special Needs, and more

How crazy is this?  I can't believe how fast time flies.  Several exciting things have happened to us lately.  For one, Ryder was the Idaho recipient of the Ipad 2 presented to him by Gary James, founder of A4CWSN (Apps for Children with Special Needs). Read more about Gary here, and BTW he is AMAZING! I've had enough of my picture taken and being on the news. It's just not my bag.  That's all I have to say about that. To read the article, click here. To view a video clip click here.

    Ryder is loving the Ipad and hopefully we'll be able to get some apps soon.  He still needs lots of prompting and gets overwhelmed easy when new information is introduced (like on the Ipad), but he gets used to it with repetition. It will take time, which as you can see, I run out of, all of the time.

I have been reading Apps for Autism: An Essential Guide to Over 200 Effective Apps by Lois Jean Brady a speech and language pathologist.  This came in the nick of time, two days before Gary showed up to present the Ipad.  This is a very informative book and there really is an "app" for that.  It's amazing!  I am so glad we live in this day and time where technology has the power of voice.  I would LOVE to hear Ryder's voice, and if this is as close as I can get, I'll take it.  



Here is an excerpt from the Future Horizon's page:

For those who are new to the wonderful world of apps, worry not! Lois provides helpful sections on how to get started, including: Choosing an iDevice, Basic iDevice Operations, Opening an Account, How to Download an App from iTunes, and more!

You will be astonished and excited by the number of apps available, and the vast variety of issues they can address:
  • Voice Output
  • Sign Language
  • One-Touch Switch
  • Text-to-Speech
  • Articulation
  • Encouragement
  • Listening and Auditory Processing
  • Language Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Concept Development
  • Video Modeling
  • Social Skills Group Activities
  • Eye Contact and Body Language
  • Hygiene & Pre-Vocational
  • Graphic Organizers & Visual Supports
  • Visual Timers
  • Sound Masking
  • Handwriting
  • Bilateral Coordination
  • Motor Planning
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Reading
  • Spelling
  • Math
  • Preschool
  • Dysphagia
  • Aphasia, Apraxia & Dysarthria
  • Stuttering
  • Music, Songs & Creativity
  • Information about Autism
  • Eating Gluten Free
  • And more! 
This would be an awesome gift to give someone especially if you are considering buying an Ipad for Christmas. An Ipad has the ability to help all kids with special needs.  

  Now I don't know what to ask Santa for for Christmas.  My Christmas wish came early this year!  
                                     Ryder and Gary James

Bill, Ryder, Ryan (Developmental Therapist) and Gary



BEING GREEN

THE CUT-OUT KID STRIKES AGAIN!

Ernie and Oscar learn they like different things-great for kids on the Spectrum!