Babymouse: The App!!

App-loving Babymouse fans, your wait is over: Everyone's favorite slightly neurotic rodent is now available to play, via both iTunes and Google Play. Let iDevices and Android tablets alike rejoice. Even better, the app is free!

And really good, according to my own wee Babymouse fan. The app uses excerpts from the Babymouse graphic novels as the basis for some seriously  fun word matching, guessing, and spelling. Or, according to the app summary:

Playing the Android version on our Xoom

"Pop the Pic World Puzzle Game based on the popular Babymouse kids comic book series. Reveal the comic book pictures piece by piece and try to guess the word."

And did I mention the Free part? This is not an introductory dealie, the app will stay free. So if you know someone who has read all the Babymouse books and craves more, consider this an Expanded Universe option, and an opportunity to make that fan's day. But the app is a kick even for those who have somehow never crossed over into the wonderful world of Babymouse.

But don't take my word (heh) for it. Here what a dedicated fan (my daughter, who has played both the iPad and Android versions) has to say:

How iPads & Apps Can Help Autistic People Like Leo - As of September 2013

This is an outline for a three-hour iPads and Apps workshop I recently gave for the excellent San Francisco organization Support for Families of Children With Disabilities. The outline's backbone is consistent with many of my past presentations, while updated in several areas because things move fast in the iDevices and apps worlds. Case in point: the presentation was a few days before iOS 7 was released. (All I'll say about iOS 7 is that making things more subtle is not a great idea for visual people -- Leo is still having trouble opening his iPad, because he can't locate the swipe area. So while iOS 7 may be prettier, it's also less accessible.)

Oh, and I've also updated and verified all the apps & prices in our Recommended Apps Spreadsheet.

If you missed this workshop, I've got a couple other iPad workshops coming up, one local and one in the UK. And if you have any questions about the info below -- seeing as it is fairly bare bones -- do leave a comment.

Yes, iPads and Apps
Really Can Help Individuals With Special Needs
Support for Families \ September 14, 2013

Shannon Des Roches Rosa | www.thinkingautismguide.com | www.squidalicious.com

Leo tolerating post office lines and tedium,
thanks to his iPad.

Tablets: Tools, Not Miracles

• My autistic son was instantly able to learn and entertain himself independently [though, ahem, less so with iOS 7 redesign]
• However, tablets are not for everyone. Evaluate tables and apps before buying
• Tablets encourage presuming competence by enabling visual and alternative communication and learning
• Competence expressed and recognized increases self-confidence

Benefits: Accessibility and Convenience

•  No cursor analogy – direct touch screen
• Fine motor ease – stylus/mouse not required (and switch accessories now available)
• So very portable (but invest in a good case)
• Can replace backpacks – and cupboards -- of activities
• App content is not static, contents updates are often free
• Siri encourages independence and articulation (iPad 3+ only)

Benefits: Learning

• So much more than an AAC device!
  (Non-dedicated device status = issue, less so with Guided Access)
• Apps are organized, accessible, predictable framework
• Apps break learning down into discrete chunks, topic areas
• Learn without needing to read, including read-aloud books
•  Learn independently or with support (but monitoring important, with any kid)
• Incidental learning opportunities

Benefits: Social and Play

• iPads are cool, they attract other kids – including siblings
• Can support social skills, formally and informally
• Custom story apps allow preparing for transitions, routines, meeting new people –
  or re-experiencing said scenarios
• Face-blindness (common with autistics): labeling and other photo-content apps can enable associating names and characteristics with people
•  Independent leisure time: Learning activities, games, videos

Best Practices

• Evaluate thoroughly before buying: Tablets are expensive, apps are expensive
• Get professional evaluation for AAC apps
• Different systems work for different users
• If long-term AAC use is expected, do not want to re-learn communication system
• Get fully informed before upgrading, e.g., iOS 6 deleted YouTube app,

Overuse and Abuse?

• What about study: “Autistic Kids Obsess Over Screen Technology”? [1]
• Autistic adults say “Yes, we’re visual and very focused, why not explore how to harness these traits productively.”
• Savvy kids can be experts, help other kids, mentor them.
• For 1:1 kids, independent is good, not bad!
• Valid concern for those who need support to manage screen time

When iPads Are Not in Your Budget

• Go through insurance, school district – write into IEP
• AAC evaluation
• SLP recommendation
• Research (longitudinal studies are ongoing)
• Fundraise: Community/Online – it works! (Small commissions charged)
• GiveForward.org, Crowdrise.com, GoFundMe.com
• iPad Donation Charities – watch out for scams

iPad Protection – Insurance, AppleCare, Loss

• All iPads come with 90 days of phone support and one year limited warranty
• Insurance (3^rd party): Protects against damage and physical loss
• AppleCare: Service, support for technical issues, up to two years
• iTunes remembers purchases, will let you re-download for free

iPad Protection – Cases, Covers, Other Accessories

• Cases: Protection vs. Convenience
• All-Purpose Cases: ZooGue, Targus, InCase, Shutterfly (custom photo)
• Keyboard: Logitech, Targus, Zagg, Brookstone (can be bulky)
• Protective: Otterbox Defender, GumDrop Military, Trident Kraken, Griffin Survivor

Apps Demonstrated

Free: iAdvocate • Draw With Stars • MyScript Calculator • 30/30 • EveryTrail • NeoPaul
Customizable: Kid in Story •WordSLaPps • Popplet • Write My Name

Also: Dr. Seuss’s ABC • Toca Band • Puzzle Pop • Stack the Countries • TeachMe Kindergarten

---

[1] http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/01/26/autistic-kids-obsess-over-screen-technology/34118.html

iPads & Autism Workshop in a Can

Here's the outline from the three hour Morgan Autism Center iPads & Autism workshop I gave today. I went much more in-depth on these topics during the presentation, so if anything isn't clear, do ask. Please note that I update the handout for every workshop, and so have to qualify that this information is current as of today. The workshop was oriented towards parents and professionals working with autistic children, but much of this information is useful for autistic adults and anyone interested in iPads.

The workshop itself went well -- lots of great questions from the audience, plus a Deaf attendee brought up several issues I had not considered, like the need for a labeling app that integrates user videos for pre-reading Deaf users, so they can see the signs for the objects -- as voiceover is not going to help in that context. 

iPads and Autism:
Helping Our Kids Learn, Helping Our Kids Play

Shannon Des Roches Rosa | www.thinkingautismguide.com | www.squidalicious.com

“My son Leo's life was transformed when a five-dollar raffle ticket turned into a brand-new iPad. I'm not exaggerating. Before the iPad, Leo's autism made him dependent on others for entertainment, play, learning, and communication. With the iPad, Leo electrifies the air around him with independence and daily new skills. People who know Leo are amazed when they see this new boy rocking that iPad. I'm impressed, too, especially when our aggressively food-obsessed boy chooses to play with his iPad rather than eat.”[1]

Benefits: Accessibility and Convenience

• No cursor analogy – direct touch screen
• Fine motor ease – stylus/mouse not required
• Portable
• Can replace backpacks – and cupboards -- of activities

Benefits: Cost

• Entry level iPad 2 (16 GB Wi-Fi) is $499
• Refurbished original iPad 16 GB currently on eBay for ~$300
• Other AAC devices (Vantage, etc.) cost several thousand dollars (but iPad may not be best choice, do AAC evaluation)

Benefits: Learning

• So much more than an AAC device! (Sometimes an issue)
• Screen is big enough to be digital parallel to paper or books
• Keyboard and screen are in same space, most kids aren’t touch typists, child doesn’t have to move eyes from screen to keyboard[2]
• Apps are organized, accessible, predictable framework
• Apps break learning down into discrete chunks, topic areas
• Learn without needing to read, including read-aloud books
• Learn independently or with support (but always supervised)
• Incidental learning opportunities abound

Benefits: Social and Play

• iPads are cool, they attract other kids – including siblings
• Can support social skills, formally and informally
• Independent leisure time: Learning activities, games, videos.

Overuse and Abuse?

• What about recent study: “Autistic Kids Obsess Over Screen Technology”? [3] 
• Autistic adults say “Yes, we’re visual and very focused, why not explore how to harness these traits productively.”
• Savvy kids can be experts, help other kids, mentor them.
• Makes me laugh, for kids like Leo, for whom independent is good!
• Valid concern for kids who crave screen time (so ... Screen Time app, etc.)

When iPads Are Not in Your Budget

• Go through insurance, school district – write into IEP
• AAC evaluation
• SLP recommendation
• Research[4] (longitudinal studies are ongoing)
• Fundraise: Community/Online – it works!
• Free: ChipIn.com, GiveForward.org
• Commission: Crowdrise.com
• iPad Donation Charities – watch out for scams
•  HollyRod4Kids, etc.

iPad Protection – Insurance, AppleCare, Loss

• All iPads come with 90 days of phone support & one year limited warranty
• Insurance (3^rd party): Protects against damage & physical loss
• AppleCare: Service, support for technical issues, up to two years
• Purchased content loss
•  iTunes iOS 5 remembers purchases, will let you re-download content (everything except movies)
• If something happens to your device, Apple can do a "Full History Regrant" of your iTunes account purchases

iPad Protection – Cases, Covers, Other Accessories

• Cases: Protection vs. Convenience
• All-Purpose Cases: ZooGue – Strap mounting for in-car movies, carrying, Targus 360° Rotating – sturdy, flexible stand options
• o   Protective: Otterbox Defender, GumDrop Military, Trident Kraken, Griffin Survivor
• CushPad for pillow-like support
• iBallz for corners (comes with cases, too)
• Bubcap for Home Button

Free Activities

• Paperless worksheets shared with DropBox/Photos/DrawFree
• Friend/Relatives facial recognition & interaction via Skype (free app)

Apps!

• See apps spreadsheet – collaborative effort with an SLP and autistic adult
• iPad Resource page: http://www.squidalicious.com/p/on-ipads.html

---

[1] Rosa, Shannon Des Roches. “The iPad: ANear-Miracle for My Son With Autism.” BlogHer.com. http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism.

[2] Shap, Jacqui. “It was one of those ‘Oh Wow’ Moments.” iPods, iPhones, & iPads in Education. http://ipodsiphonesineducation.wikispaces.com.

[3] http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/01/26/autistic-kids-obsess-over-screen-technology/34118.html

[4] Sistach, Francesc. “Links to Academic Articles.” iAutism. http://www.iautism.info/en/2011/04/09/links-to-academic-papers.

Talking About iPads on the Radio, and Upcoming iPad Events

Listen to internet radio with The Coffee Klatch on Blog Talk Radio

I had a great time tonight talking about iPads and apps for kids with autism and other special needs with Marianne Russo of The Coffee Klatch and Gary James of A4CWSN on BlogTalkRadio tonight. Have a listen! If you're more of an IRL person, I'll be speaking at and/or attending three more autism/iPad events in the next two weeks:

• Saturday, October 1: Morgan Autism Center Conference (get your tickets! Very excited to see Stephen Shore speak) 
• Thursday, October 6: San Jose Disability Awareness Day (get your free tickets! Very excited about the music therapy session) 
• Tuesday, October 11: HP's Autism App Hackathon (more information at http://www.hackingautism.org)

 If you're able to make it to any of these events, do say hi.

Talking About TPGA, Autism Acceptance, & iPads With Health Central's Jeremy Shane

One of the pleasures of IMFAR was meeting HealthCentral's Jeremy Shane in person after corresponding online, and I was honored when Jeremy asked to interview me. The interview is broken up into three segments, each with the same intro about me and Leo.

The first segment is on how the Thinking Person's Guide to autism website and forthcoming book provide the "crash course" parents of kids with new autism diagnoses need (and which doesn't currently exist), and also addresses the importance of finding positive role models, community, and information as soon as possible after an autism diagnosis:



The second segment is on accepting our children for who they are; and on steering clear of negative parenting attitudes, and flawed information on matters like vaccines:



The third is about iPads being so much more than AAC devices, and how much I wish experienced app developers would work with experienced autism and special needs professionals to create the ideal apps for Leo and our community. I also talk about the need for parents to continue broadening their perspectives on what it means to have autism by reading sites like Kristina Chew's blog at autism.typepad.com, about parenting a teen with autism, and through watching movies like Todd Drezner's Loving Lampposts.

iPads and Autism Resources: Fundraising, Donations, Research, and Education

While so many of us are waiting for our iPad2s, many (too many) kids with autism and other special needs are waiting to get any iPad -- any iPad at all. Families who want to buy iPads privately often don't have the means (these devices are expensive!), and school districts and insurance companies often cite the lack of longitudinal studies supporting the effectiveness of iDevices in special education.


To address both areas, I've been updating our iPad Apps for Autism spreadsheet with links to iPad Fundraising & Donations, as well as Research & Education links. I've pasted in the current listings below, but will be updating and expanding the list as more resources come in -- or are brought to my attention (hint, hint).

If you want to help a child get an iPad, look through the Fundraising & Donations section for ideas on agencies that are donating iPads to kids in need, or for instructions on how to run your own fundraiser (another hint: fundraising is really easy).

If you are hitting roadblocks with insurance companies or school districts that want official research to justify getting a child an iPad, look through the Research and Education links. Though, as I've said before -- the irony in Leo's case is that he probably wouldn't have qualified for an iPad as an AAC device, since he speaks "fluent requesting" -- yet his iPad has improved not just the quality of his learning but increased his learning opportunities -- he can learn anywhere he can take his iPad

If you'd like to help out a specific child in need of an iPad, consider donating to the Sahara's Voice iPad campaign. Her family is trying to raise funds not just for their own child, but for five other families as well.

I'm very proud of SEPTAR, the local Special Ed PTA I helped co-found -- because of our own successful fundraising, we were recently able to donate ten iPads to our district's Special Ed department! We're doing real good and making a real difference on a local but district-wide level -- more reasons to consider starting a Special ED PTA in your own area.

iPad Resources - Fundraising and Donations                                                                       

• Conover Mobile Technology Grant: www.conovercompany.com/grants
• Danny's Wish: How to Apply for an iPad Grant: www.dannyswish.org/news-events.cfm/id/86386
• HollyRod.org iPads for Communication campaign: www.hollyrod.org/ipads-for-communication
• iHelp for Special Needs www.ihelpforspecialneeds.com
• iPads 4U: Does your family need an iPad? a4cwsn.com/ipad2-4u/
• Squidalicious: How to Get Your Kid With Autism that Wonderful iPad: www.squidalicious.com/2010/11/how-to-get-your-kid-with-autism-that.html

iPad Resources - Research & Education                                                                        

• Helping autistic children with iOS devices: www.tuaw.com/2010/08/18/helping-autistic-children-with-ios-devices
• iPads for Learning - 21 steps to 1:1 success: asp-uk.secure-zone.net/v2/index.jsp?id=639/684/1625&utm_source=ipadsummary
• Learning: Is there an app for that?: Cynthia Chiong & Carly Shuler: www.joanganzcooneycenter.org/Reports-27.html
• Mobile Devices and Autism: Autism News of Orange County [PDF]: www.autismnewsoc.org/docs/AutismNewsWinter11.pdf
• Moms With Apps: Teachers Discuss iDevices in the Classroom: momswithapps.com/2010/12/21/teachers-part-ii
• SETT Framework for AAC evaluations: edweb.tusd.k12.az.us/assistive_technology/AT_SETT.htm

iPad Apps for Autism: A Spreadsheet of Reviews and Recommendations

Instead of making folks ferret out multiple posts for apps info, I've put together a categorized spreadsheet of iPad apps for autistic people -- the ones that work for Leo, yes, but eventually lots of other apps as well.

The spreadsheet includes the apps I've reviewed on this site and on BlogHer so far -- with prices, iTunes links to full and lite (free) versions, and review URLs when available. The spreadsheet will be updated frequently, as our apps backlog is burgeoning and many reviews are forthcoming. So save the spreadsheet URL [http://is.gd/12ygv8] or this post's URL!

If you have any suggestions or questions, let me know.

UPDATE 1/24: The spreadsheet will include reviews and recommendations from Corina Becker of The Autistic Adult App Project and No Stereotypes Here, and Jordan Sadler, SLP of Communication Therapy.

UPDATE 5/2017: I am no longer updating the spreadsheet, but am leaving this page here as an archive resource.