Sight words

In pre-k and kindergarten classrooms, certain words are taught as “sight words,” “instant words,” “high-frequency words,” or “star words” because they don’t follow basic decoding rules. These words can be frustrating for a new reader until they are memorized. Here are some examples of these featured words: A, and, for, have, he, I, in, is, it, of, play, said, that, the, to, and you.

Sequences for Autism

“Sequence it!” is a tool designed to enhance understanding, particularly for those with Autism. It focuses on sequencing skills.

A sequence of images is an effective tool. It can be used in various educational activities, including understanding cause and effect, understanding processes and a series of actions, encouraging literacy, expanding vocabulary, assisting in understanding the sequence of a story, etc.

See touch learn

Parents should be aware that See.Touch.Learn. It is a tool designed to assist parents, educators, and therapists in working with children with special needs, such as Autism. The app provides various sets of picture cards along with accompanying lessons, making it easy to organize and customize the learning experience. Picture cards are commonly used at home and in educational settings to help children with developmental challenges learn new concepts and enhance their communication skills.

With See.Touch.Learn. Parents and educators can tailor card sets to suit each child’s needs, creating a more effective and meaningful learning experience. The app’s intuitive and user-friendly interface allows users to easily navigate the cards and lessons, helping children develop cognitive, motor, and communication skills interactively and engagingly.

In addition to the 32 free cards and six valuable lessons provided, See.Touch.Learn. Offers online resources, including activity ideas and games, to enrich children’s learning. This tool is an excellent addition to the toolkit of those working with children with special needs, offering a versatile and practical platform for development and learning.

Words on Wheels

Words on Wheels is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app for the iPad that helps children with speech problems to communicate more efficiently by combining images to create sentences. The app has features explicitly designed to support users in reaching their full communication potential, improving speech skills, and developing language comprehension. With interactive and engaging activities, Words on Wheels aids in facilitating the learning and communication process for children needing additional speech support. The beauty of this app lies in its simplicity; users can easily select relevant images and combine them to form sentences, thereby significantly enhancing their communication abilities. With Words on Wheels, children can express themselves better, feel more confident, and engage in daily activities more effectively. This app offers an innovative and affordable solution for children who need assistance in communication, providing them with opportunities to participate in their lives actively.

Verbal me

Efficiently communicate using Speechninja, a user-friendly AAC app specially designed and edited by teachers to assist nonverbal children in participating in class. With a button tap, the iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch will speak aloud the selected text in a boy’s or girl’s voice. The app offers a variety of screen choices, including yes/no, alphabet, numbers, interactive speaking clock, skip counting, opposites, world map, US coins, bullying, getting dressed, using the bathroom, seasons, emotions, BINGO, body parts, and the life cycle.

The article provides a collection of apps designed to assist individuals with Autism in their learning and development. One highlighted app, “Sight Words,” focuses on teaching high-frequency words that don’t follow regular decoding rules. The article also mentions “Sequences for Autism,” a tool that uses sequence images to enhance understanding and literacy skills. “See.Touch.Learn.” is another app mentioned, which provides picture cards and customizable lessons for children with special needs. “Words on Wheels” is an augmentative and alternative communication app that helps children with speech problems communicate more efficiently through image-based sentence creation. Lastly, “Verbal Me” is a user-friendly AAC app designed to assist nonverbal children in participating in class with various screen choices and speaking options. Overall, these apps aim to provide effective and inclusive learning experiences for individuals with Autism.

As a mom to an extraordinary child on the autism spectrum, I’ve been on quite a transformative journey, just like many of you. Through this journey, I have realized that every challenge we face offers us an incredible opportunity to discover innovative and imaginative solutions. One such solution that has emerged and becomes an unsung hero in the lives of our exceptional kiddos is Assistive Technology (AT). These remarkable tools have proved to be instrumental in providing support and unlocking the true potential of our loved ones. With the aid of Assistive Technology, our children have been able to navigate through their unique experiences and showcase their extraordinary abilities. It is truly inspiring to witness the positive impact that AT has had on their lives, providing them with the keys to unlock their unlimited potential.

Understanding Assistive Technology

Assistive technology (AT) may sound technical, but it’s simply any device, system, or design that helps our kids overcome challenges related to their autism. These tools assist in learning, communication, and managing the sensory world around them. Consider AT the trusty sidekick to your child’s superhero – providing backup and enhancing their superpowers!

Types of Assistive Technology

Here’s the exciting part. The AT treasure trove is abundant, and I’ll help break it down:

1. Communication Devices (AAC devices): Many kids might struggle with verbal communication. AAC devices can range from simple picture boards to complex speech-generating instruments. They are crucial for children with limited speech ability. Popular apps like Proloquo2Go and TouchChat allow users to create and share messages using text, pictures, and symbols, empowering your child to express themselves effectively.
2. Visual Supports: If your child is a visual learner, visual supports like picture schedules, social stories, and graphic organizers can guide them through their daily routines and social interactions. Apps like PictoChat and Social Stories Plus offer a library of social stories that teach about social rules and expectations, making them more understandable and less intimidating.
3. Educational Gadgets: Think about our computers and tablets, right? Just like us, our kids can benefit from these, too. There are numerous software programs and apps tailored for ASD that make learning and communication more interactive and enjoyable. For instance, Theraplay AT is a suite of software programs that help children with autism develop social-emotional skills in a fun and engaging way.
4. Sensory Tools: Sensory overload can be overwhelming for our kids. Sensory tools like weighted blankets, fidget toys, and noise-canceling headphones can provide them with a calming shield, helping them better navigate their environment. Also, simple tools like chewable jewelry or even a trampoline can help regulate sensory input. Always consult an occupational therapist to choose your child’s sensory device.

How Assistive Technology Helps

AT isn’t just about tools; it’s about unlocking potential. Here are a few ways it can make a world of difference:

• Increased Independence: AT can help our children communicate their needs and navigate their daily routines without constant assistance.
• Improved Academic Performance: Specialized software and apps offer personalized instruction and immediate feedback, which can significantly enhance the learning process.
• Enhanced Social Skills: Social stories and interactive apps can help children better understand social cues and norms, boosting their confidence in social situations.
• Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Sensory tools provide a calming influence and can help kids cope with sensory overload, reducing overall anxiety and stress levels.

Finding the Right Assistive Technology

Finding the right AT can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, but fear not; I have some mom-tested tips:

• Consult with the pros: Your child’s doctor, therapist, or educator can provide valuable insights based on your child’s unique needs.
• Do your homework: Take the time to research different AT devices, read reviews, and even test out demos if available.
• Consider your child’s preferences: Just as every child is different, so is their preference for AT devices. If your child isn’t comfortable with a machine or doesn’t find it helpful, it won’t be as effective.
• Training is key: Once you’ve found the perfect AT device, learn how to use it effectively! There are many training resources online, and your child’s therapist can also guide you.

In our ASD journey, patience is our best friend, and resilience is our mantra. Finding the right tool may take time, but don’t lose heart. When in doubt, start small and gradually increase the complexity. Most importantly, make it fun!

Remember, AT isn’t about changing our kids; it’s about enhancing their abilities and making the world more accessible. They’re the real superheroes in this journey, and Assistive Technology is their faithful sidekick.

Keep shining, beautiful parents! Stay tuned for more tips, insights, and heartfelt sharing on our journey.