The Herald-News has a great story today all about how using iPad apps is helping a young boy with autism to communicate. Jayden McCallum (pictured with his speech pathologist Lorrie Banks) is currently seven years old, and was diagnosed with autism when he was two. The report explains how Jayden and his fellow pupils in the STARS Autism program have been using an iPad app called Proloquo2Go to help him communicate. Previously Jayden was using a device called GoTalk, but according to the article it was not easy to add words to the device, which was also quite heavy to carry around and not particularly portable for a child. The iPad is of course much more portable, and the software much easier to programme and add to. The report says that before Jayden started using the iPad, he was only able to say one or two words at a time, and he found it difficult to pronounce words, now, since using Proloquo2Go, Jayden is able to say five and six words at a time. Since the advent of the iPad, many developers are actually coming up with apps specifically to help special needs children, with programmes such as Proloquo2Go being a case in point, as well as companies such as TouchAutism, who build mobile device apps for children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities and other special needs after finding out how useful such apps can be. Source: http://heraldnews.suntimes.com/news/11729783-418/ipad-helps-boy-communicate.htm Apps for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Down Syndrome and Special Needs - Touch Autism App Store - Proloquo2Go
I am considering setting up a sub form in app area just for this type of requirement as world wide I believe that many would be delighted to have a special section devotee to medical apps of this type. Your input will be appreciated Sent from my iPhone using iPF
ok put your thinking caps on I need a title and description please just PM me I will also request this in admin forum.
This is wonderful to hear. I have a relative with autism, but he is really drawn toward technology. Do we know how long it takes an autistic child using the program to start seeing improvements? I know each medical condition is different, but just wandered on average.
That is very hard to say really, it is dependent on many different factors...just like other medical conditions. Even though two people may share the same diagnoses, does not mean that they will demonstrate the same signs/symptoms/prognoses and/or treatment regime. There may be predictors or trends that have been researched pertaining to children that have been diagnosed with Autism, that may be your best find there to help answer your question.
Of course this is one of those apps that should be on other platforms as well. Certainly I'm glad the iPad enables this sort of app to be developed for a tablet.
