Sunday 29 April 2012

Finding Your Way





In the second installment of the iPads and Autism blog, I want to focus on some websites that are very helpful in finding the best apps for education, communication and other issues relevant to autism.
One site that I have found to be invaluable is:

Every Friday this site features a number of recommended apps, all of which are reduced in price or free for the day. I have found many excellent apps through this site, and visiting it every Friday is part of my weekly routine.

Moms with apps also features a list of apps for special needs created by its group of developers.

When we initially acquired iPads at Giant Steps, the first list of apps designed for special needs that I found was created by Eric Sailers, a speech-language pathologist and creator of ArtikPix, a speech articulation app. His website has a comprehensive list of special needs apps and resources.


The Apps for Children with Special Needs site has written and video reviews of a wide range of apps, focusing on many designed specifically for special needs.


iPad Apps & Resources for People with Autism is an extensive list compiled by a speech-language pathologist, a parent and an adult with autism.



Here is a link to an interview with Temple Grandin in which she discusses the iPad, and as usual quickly and accurately cuts to the heart of the matter.



In upcoming weeks I will be focusing on specific ways of using the iPad wth individuals with autism, drawing on my experience as well as the expertise of others.
If you have any stories, insights or comments you would like to share, or suggestions for topics of discussion, please contact me.



Sunday 1 April 2012

Making the Magic Real

Painting made on iPad by Maxwell Bitton (based on La Danse by Matisse)


In the relatively short time since the iPad has been in existence, there has been a great deal of publicity about its use as a tool for individuals with autism. There have been numerous articles and videos describing an almost magical impact on the level of communication and engagement, creating a great deal of expectation and hope.
But all too quickly the magical becomes commonplace, and when results don't occur quickly interest fades.
Since I have been using the iPad with students at Giant Steps, I have found it to be an indispensable tool, and believe its potential has only begun to be realized. I have tried to keep up with specialized apps for autism and sort through the thousands of available educational apps to find the best ones, and know only too well how overwhelming it can be.
As more of our students acquire their own iPads, I felt the necessity to set up a forum where we can exchange ideas and experiences, and help each other to make the best use of what really is a remarkable device. In order to use it effectively, though, it requires knowledge, persistence, and  patience, especially with regard to using it for communication.
For the first installment of this blog, I thought it would be interesting to focus on the creative possibilities of the iPad, an aspect I have not often heard mentioned in relation to autism. One of our students, Maxwell Bitton, has created unique and beautiful drawings on the iPad, displaying a talent that had not been otherwise manifested. Drawing from  models, using his finger directly on the iPad he has realized distinctive versions of well known paintings and, of course, Disney characters. His work speaks for itself.
Irises

Jiminy Cricket


Blue (Matisse)

Don Quixote (Picasso)

Picasso

Pinocchio

Shere Khan

Skeleton

Snow White

Sunflowers (Van Gogh)

Magnolias

Week after week, Maxwell surprised and amazed me, as his style, vision and gift revealed itself. It was not always readily accessible, but the results and his visible pride in his work made the effort much more than worthwhile.
Brushes, the app used to create these works, is available on the App Store:
http://itunes.com/apps/brushes
I welcome all comments and feedback. Please bear with me as I work out the bugs in what is a new medium for me.