Synopses & Reviews
Autism? There's an app for that! Actually, there are more than 200 apps for autism, and this book will guide you through them so you can confidently utilize today's technology to maximize your child or student's success! Speech Language Pathologist Lois Jean Brady wrote this book in order to educate parents, teachers, and other professionals about the breakthrough method she calls "iTherapy"--which is the use of Apple products (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and various apps (computer applications) in meeting students' individual educational goals. Lois believes that all persons on the spectrum can learn how to use technology in a way that is relevant to them. She shares important tips on how to use apps responsibly and effectively by maintaining a child-centered, team approach to teaching and learning, taking into account the individual's interests, strengths/challenges, vision, motor planning, attention, sensory processing, memory, cognitive ability, environment, and access to tools. Lois also coaches adults on how they can use prompting and reinforcement techniques to help establish and generalize skills learned, until students are able to consistently demonstrate the skills in various environments (home, school, etc.). For those who are new to the wonderful world of apps, worry not! Lois provides helpful sections on how to get started, including: Choosing an iDevice, Basic iDevice Operations, Opening an Account, How to Download an App from iTunes, and more! But what about apps that were released since this book was published? Again--Lois has you covered! Just visit this book's companion website iTherapyLLc.com for reviews of new apps that made the grade.
Review
"Lois has taken an important leap in writing this book, providing a much-needed primer for considering the newest, mobile, educational technologies ... For parents, teachers, and therapists, it is important to understand what the individual apps can and cannot do, and to be able to carefully consider features relevant to individual needs. From communication to literacy, recreation, and accessories, Apps for Autism provides a wealth of useful information to read and reference." --Samuel Sennott, a Ph.D. Student in Special Education and Augmentative and Alternative Communication at the Pennsylvania State University, and co-creator of the app Proloquo2Go
About the Author
Lois Jean Brady is a practicing Speech Language Pathologist, Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) and Assistive Technology Specialist. Career accomplishments include: Benjamin Franklin Award for, Apps for Autism, and an Ursula Award for Autism TodayTV. Lois is also registered in Animal Assisted Therapy and Computer Based Intervention. In addition to Apps for Autism, she has co-authored Speech in Action and Speak, Move, Play and Learn with Children on the Autism Spectrum. Currently she is researching and developing products to enhance communication. Lois is also an international presenter on technology and animal assisted therapy (high tech and low tech). Buttercup, her potbelly pig, frequently accompanies Lois in therapy sessions and is a huge motivator for all.