Technology plays a key role in autism support

This post title links to an eSchool News report on technology supports for students with autism. The article gives details and background information on the next few posts. A good read and some exciting new programs!

Activity Trainer - video modeling for children with autism

The Activity Trainer integrates video, audio, images and text into predefined presentations to help students learn targeted activities and skills. It has a data collection feature that tracks student performance. The Activity Trainer comes with a library of ready to use activities and one year of updates and support. It also has a User Library where you can create your own activities. Free online training is available and after watching a webinar you can download a free trial. Program cost is $149 for single user or $349 single computer/unlimited users.

AutismPro endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education

AutismPro provides professional development for school staff. They can provide PD program design, software, clinical consulting services and professional development training. You can view archived webinars on their site that describe their services. Cost is based on customized program.

iPrompts - new app for iPod Touch and iPhone

With this app you can create picture schedules, social stories, and First This, Then That picture prompts. It also has a Visual Countdown Timer to help with transitions. There's a categorized image library and image sharing is available. It was developed by parents that have a four year old son with autism. It's available through iTunes for $49.99

Teach Town - technology support for autism and language disorders

A computer-assisted intervention for autism and language disorders. TeachTown is involved in ongoing research studies that support the use of the program. Click on the Research tab at their website to learn more. Monthly online subscriptions cost $39.95

Great resource for school speech therapists!

Speaking of Speech.com is an interactive forum for speech/language pathologists and teachers to improve communication skills in schools. Share your successes with others, or get ideas on lesson plans, materials, and techniques. The IEP goal bank has sample goals searchable by articulation, fluency, auditory processing, augmentative communication and other topics.

VizZle - Visual Learning online program

We'll be having a 30 minute webinar at our January meeting on this program. It's web-based subscription software. You can create templates for interactive stories, games, matching boards, and first-then boards. There's a shared lesson library search-able by subject, lesson type and grade-level.

Pogo Boards: web based solution for creating visual support boards

There's a few new web-based visual supports programs out there and this one is quite inexpensive compared to others we've seen! It provides access to millions of images through online search. Boards are shared online, it can be used anywhere there's Internet and it boasts of being the next generation of solutions for designing custom communication and learning materials.

Online DynaVox trainings next week for the V, VMax and Xpress

Do you or a student's team/parent need training on a DynaVox device? Free live webinars next week cover the V/VMax for Emergent and Context-Dependent communicators on Wed. 12/9 for one hour each. Learn how to use the Xpress on Thursday, 12/10. Tango! and Boardmaker sessions are also offered.

EdHeads - Activate your Mind! Do you work with students that are mechanically inclined and love science?

Free educational science games designed to meet state and national standards. Edheads has been recognized by almost every major award on the Web for excellent educational content! There's a link to free lesson plans and teacher tips for each activity.

iConverse - another AAC app for the iPod

Costing $9.99 from the app store, this app has six customizable buttons.

Free site with activities to improve memory and attention

Lumosity was designed by some of the leading experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology from Stanford and UCSF. It was shown to improve basic cognitive functions in randomized, controlled clinical trials. Some of the activities for cognitive training are: Speed Match improves reaction time, Attention Game helps focus and a Problem Solving Game improves pattern recognition. The free membership has limited access, paid memberships are available and start at $24.95 for 3 months.