Computers, iPads, and Autism

Computers are particularly useful for those with autism, as they facilitate communication and aid in learning. In recent months, there has been some buzz in education and autism communities about the Apple iPad.

The iPad, like other computers, is an effective tool for many on the autism spectrum. It’s flexibility and portability offer some additional advantages, though, over other laptops or PCs. The touch screen and layout makes it more accessible for some children with coordination or learning difficulties, who may find ‘sliding’ and tapping easier than either typing or writing. Moreover, the iPad can be easily carried, and thus is helpful for calming and focusing children who are on the go.

The iPad can also be used as a communication board or augmentative communication device. Because of the customization options and because the iPad is a ‘cool tech device’ that doesn’t immediately mark a child as different, many see it as a more attractive option than the more traditional ones. Some children have been captivated indeed by the iPad, finding the motivation to master quite a few new skills in a short span of time.

I definitely would stop short of using the phrase I saw in ‘the weekly’ this morning: The iPad isn’t a cure for autism — I’m not sure ‘cure’ is even an appropriate term for a complex learning difference — and there are autistic individuals whose abilities simply won’t allow them to use an iPad or any other computer. Still it looks like Apple may have done something they didn’t necessarily set out to do: provided one of the better adaptive learning technologies on the market.

On this page, I will share some research and resources for those considering using a communication and teaching tool with those on the autism spectrum.

for more info click here–>http://www.squidoo.com/ipad-for-autism

One of the missions of our nonprofit is to give the gift of technology to people on the autism spectrum and educational classrooms, to include tablets such as the ipad. I recently one an Ipad from a trade show event at the NAB show from Harris Communications and love it. It is beneficial for educational purposes as well as communication.

Steve Jobs called it a magical device. For the parents of autistic children, it actually might be.
Experts say the Apple iPad lessens the symptoms of the disorder, helping kids deal with life’s sensory overload — in a sense “curing” the disorder, one parent says.
That’s what Laura Holmquist believes, at least. Her son Hudson was having 8 or 9 violent meltdowns per day. One morning he started screaming in his bedroom — and didn’t stop until late that evening. The family of eight could not go to public events or out to dinner and had a hard time communicating with him.
“The iPad has given us our family back,” Laura told FoxNews.com. “It’s unlocked a new part of our son that we hadn’t seen before, and given us insight into the way he connects with his world.”
Diagnosed with autism about ten months ago, 3-year-old Hudson is built like a Mack truck and has a disarming smile. His brother Zane is about the same age (both are adopted) and can ask for toys and say complete sentences, but Hudson has trouble communicating about basic needs.

It might not be a miracle but is an interesting, compelling device that may be able to help many on the spectrum.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/03/09/can-apple-ipad-cure-autism/#ixzz1P5SqtRBQ

Here is an article about our website and mission that my College Fraternity Posted with regards to us!!!!

https://aepi.site-ym.com/news/66584/Alumnus-Gives-Back-in-Nevada-to-Support-Autism.htm

My name is David Joseph Berkowitz. I am an alumnus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Nu Sigma Chapter, and
Omicron Pledge Class. I graduated from the University in 1992. I immediately did the typical thing, started a career, got married and had 3 kids. I spent the last 20 years in sales and management. I also spent 8 years in the Nevada Army National Guard, and am an honorably discharged veteran as well. I have also been connected to the tech industry and have been in and around it for the last 30 years.

I have always felt a need to give back to the world and community, but since I had been side tracked by life so it had been delayed.

Since I have high functioning asperger’s I am bit of a brainac, and am the father of 3 kids who are also on the autism spectrum, I finally decided to make a difference. On January 11, 2011, our website went live, https://technewszone.com to make a difference for autistic people.

We are now a state non-profit, as of 4/18/2011 and are now working on our 501c status.

We are a tech focused nonprofit, trying once we get funded to help those on the spectrum via technology-tablets and related computer tech donations to organizations and individuals with autism, the gift of music and the arts to make the lives of autistic people and their families better.

I am trying to start a national organization like the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society to make living on the spectrum better for those with autism related disorders.

We have a unique approach and view point, and ideas. I am smart, different, and am going about it on my own, am not rich, need a break, to get support so that I can help others. My wife and I have experienced interesting times, the last 4 houses that we rented foreclosed, I have been downsized, right-sized, left-sized per se from companies closing or restructuring over the years, and I was dot-commed once, we have lived the life, have struggled quite badly at times and done well at others, and if this dream is realized we will succeed in helping make our lives better but that of others on the spectrum as well. We are trying to make a difference despite not being rich, really knowing anyone and are self made, via 100% of our own efforts, plus the advice and opportunities that I have found through the social media, 10 or so radio appearances and 2 tv appearances so far and networking with people I know, and have now have reached out to.

We need help and support and people that are connected and smart and know people to make our dream a reality.

If anyone wants to help us, please let me know.

We need legal support to achieve our 501c, contributors, and donors. We need the support of people that can get us media exposure on TV, Radio, magazines, news papers, and help us to truly make a difference. We are also looking for board members to help guidance to our nonprofit as well. If anyone can open their heart to us, and help us get the next level that would be great.

We need donations of technology, tickets to events to help autistic people and their families. We are also trying to help with the arts for both autistic individuals, class rooms, schools and their families and are intending to donate musical instruments, and help support bands, choirs, and theater programs to help special needs autistic people and their families. If anyone has connections that can help us in that respect as well that would be great.

Eventually I want to write a book or make a movie with regards to life on the Autism spectrum, and would love to grant scholarships for vocational and educational purposes for those on the spectrum as well.

Sincerely,

David Joseph Berkowitz

President

Autism Advocacy and Technology News Zone, Inc.(A Nevada Nonprofit Corporation)

davidb@technewszone.com

Http://technewszone.com

http://twitter.com/#!/itechnewszone

http://www.facebook.com/technewszone

https://aepi.site-ym.com/news/66584/Alumnus-Gives-Back-in-Nevada-to-Support-Autism.htm

I appreciate it a great deal for the opportunity to be mentioned on their site. I have always been a huge fan of AEPi, now even more so.

I would like to thank Shane Kulman for presenting us with the opportunity to be on her. Her positive attitude is truly inspirational. www.yourbeautifulchild.com web radio show.

Here is a link to her radio show as well http://www.yourbeautifulchild.com/yourbeautifulchildradio.php

and the our appearance on the show:

http://contacttalkradio.soundwaves2000.com:8080/ctr/shanekulman060511.mp3

I was referred to this video by http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1081805020

It is quite amazing the talent and unique abilities that some people have.

Here is a new Toshiba Android 3.1 tablet that seems worth taking a look at.

Engadget also had a nice review of it too–>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/toshiba-thrive-hands-on/

At this price it seems very much worth the money. I hope that more special needs Android applications start popping up.

One that I am aware of that seems nice is www.discovermyvoice.com a nice aac application.

I received a link to this video from the Autism Support Network, it is nice and worth taking a look at.

Part of our mission is to spread the understanding and awareness of autism.

Read more: http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/autism-road-truth-83782732#ixzz1OVsY4E3Y

I received a link to this nice article which I can totally relate to. We have 3 kids on the spectrum and have had our struggles and challenges as well.

A snippet of the article–>

Some things happen that you expect. You know what to do with them. You know how to handle the situation. Some things happen that you don’t expect but you deal with the situation anyway. Some things in life creep up on you, growing in abundance little by little, not at all expected, and come as a huge blow.
I didn’t know this is how I felt about my son’s Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, until half a year after he was diagnosed. Even then, my husband and I pretty much knew what he had; we were just waiting for the doctor’s diagnosis.
Many children are now born with autism spectrum disorders and every parent has a story to tell. Ours is one of many medical conundrums with the ins and outs we faced when trying to get a true diagnosis. After all, ASDs are still extremely puzzling disorders, even for doctors. We have since crossed this huge hurdle and are taking many steps to ensure the best life for Nicholas we can provide.
Our son, Nicholas is on the autism spectrum, otherwise known as the collection of Pervasive Developmental Disorders. These disorders include, Autism, Asperity Syndrome, Rhett’s Disorder, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified or Atypical Autism, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and at certain times, Fragile X syndrome. Nicholas has PDD-NOS. He wasn’t an overly affectionate baby, in my opinion. I think others might disagree, but mothers always see things that others do not. I was concerned, even at this young age. I knew from the beginning there was something not typical with Nicholas.

Please click here for the rest of the story–>
http://www.autismsupportnetwork.com/news/autism-road-truth-83782732

Sprint is now getting 2 new innovative new devices, the EVO 3d Cell Phone and a new 7″ tablet. Both of the devices seem intriguing and worth taking a look at. I am considering the EVO 3d. If anyone wants to send us one to beta test let me know.

06 June 2011

Two Newest Members of the Award-Winning HTC EVO Family, HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G, Make Debut Exclusively from Sprint on June 24

HTC EVO 3D, with America’s first 4.3-inch, qHD 3D display and a powerful 1.2GHz dual-core processor, available for $199.99; HTC EVO View 4G brings the powerful HTC EVO experience to a 4G tablet for $399.99

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 06, 2011 – Two of the “must-have” gadgets of 2011 are getting ready to make their debut. Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced the June 24 availability of HTC EVO™ 3D and HTC EVO View 4G™ on America’s Favorite 4G Network1. America’s first ‘glasses-free’ 3D 4G device will be available for $199.99, and HTC EVO View 4G, the first 4G tablet in market, will be available for $399.99. Both prices exclude applicable taxes, and the devices require a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade.

Customers can pre-order HTC EVO 3D or HTC EVO View 4G at any participating Sprint Store with the purchase of a $50 Sprint gift card (per device). On June 24, Sprint Stores nationwide will open doors at 8 a.m. local time for customers to get a jump-start on purchasing these hot new devices.

Additionally, Sprint Premier customers will have the opportunity to purchase HTC EVO 3D online three days before the national launch, while supplies last. Qualifying customers will receive an email on June 21, or they can log on to their account at www.sprint.com on June 21, click “show me my rewards” and then “Sprint Premier Community” for more information.

“Sprint takes device innovation to a whole new level with the two newest members of the EVO family, HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G,” said Fared Adib, senior vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “HTC EVO 3D provides our customers the ability to capture and view content in 3D and share at 4G speeds; HTC EVO View 4G expands on the capabilities of tablets by introducing the digital pen, and allows our consumers to do more than they ever imagined was possible.”

Glasses-Free 3D plus Sprint 4G

HTC EVO 3D takes the mobile multimedia experience to a new level, providing the ability to capture and view in 3D and share at 4G speeds, offering consumers the ultimate glasses-free 3D experience. Built with the Android 2.3 operating system (Gingerbread), HTC EVO 3D features America’s first 4.3-inch, qHD 3D display and a powerful 1.2GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon® dual-core processor. HTC EVO 3D also features dual 5-megapixel cameras, which can be used to capture high-quality conventional and stunning 3D images and videos, opening up new frontiers for user-generated content, social networking and streaming video.

Respected device critics agree Sprint has done it again with HTC EVO 3D. Here are a few of the accolades that poured in when it was announced in March:

LAPTOP Magazine honored HTC EVO 3D with its Best Smart Phone Award and the coveted Best in Show honor at CTIA this spring.
PC World added, “The design is gorgeous, and the combination of dual-core Snapdragon processors with 4G can’t be beat. Suffice to say, I can’t wait to get my hands on this phone this summer.”
Phonearena.com named HTC EVO 3D and HTC EVO View 4G as “Best of CTIA 2011.”
Boy Genius Report said, “The HTC EVO 3D and the HTC EVO View 4G tablet were among our favorite new gadgets shown off at CTIA.”

HTC EVO 3D requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month vs. Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and web.2 The Mobile Hot Spot option is available for an additional $29.99 per month (excluding taxes and surcharges) supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

An Unparalleled Tablet Experience

HTC EVO View 4G brings the best of the EVO experience to a tablet design with a 7-inch touchscreen, 1.5GHz Snapdragon processor and latest version of HTC Sense. It will launch with an Android 2.3 operating system (Gingerbread) and will be updated to Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) when it is available for a 7-inch tablet. As the perfect combination e-reader, media player and portable computing device, HTC EVO View 4G offers a premium entertainment experience with HD-like quality video and a rich web-browsing experience with the ability to browse the web on Flash-enabled sites.

Rate plans for the HTC EVO View start as low as $34.993 per month for 3GB of 3G data and unlimited 4G data usage while on the Sprint network. Unlimited text, picture and video messaging are included at no charge. Additional plans, including 3G-only plans, are available to meet customers’ needs.

Additionally, for a limited time, any customer who purchases HTC EVO View 4G will receive the HTC Scribe™ digital pen (otherwise sold separately) at no charge with a two-year service agreement – providing an additional savings of $79.99 on their purchase.

Optional add-on services include GPS Navigation for $2.99 per day or $10 per month and the Mobile Hot Spot option for $29.99 per month (excluding taxes and surcharges) supporting up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint also ranks as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last three years4. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.