another great article

http://mashable.com/2011/07/25/ipads-disabilities/

Another great article about the use of iOS devices.

great article

Here is a really great article. It is called "What to Say to Parents of Children with Autism" by Jean Winegardner.

http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/autism-unexpected/2011/jul/13/what-say-parents-children-autism/

some facebook pages I like...

Here is a list of the pages I like and groups I've joined on facebook. You may find some with  promo code opportunities, discounts, information about specific apps, and apps in general. If there is a specific app you want or developer you have determined that you like, like them on facebook so you are aware if there is a sale.

General Groups/Pages

- A4cwsn
- MomsWithApps
- App Store
- GeekSLP
- Technology in Education
- Calming effects. weighted lap pads
- iTeach Special Education- iDevices in Special Education
- APPS FOR AUTISM
- APPS FOR AUTISM (different than the one above... don't ask me why there are two groups with the same name)
- Ipad revolution for children with Autism
- Technology For Autism Now, Inc.
- Autism Teachers
- iTaalk
- LearnWithFunApps

Developers-

- Speech with Milo
- Smarty Ears
- ArtikPix
- Duck Duck Moose
- Spark Your Imagination
- Once Upon An App
- Chore Pad
- TouchyBooks
- Mythos Machine LLC - VivaBook interactive books for iPad
- Super Duper Publications
- AbleNet Inc.
-The Story Mouse
- Verbally
- Let's Go Chipper
- Mobile Education Store
- OneVoice
- Signing Time
- Dan Russell-Pinson (Game Designer)
- Grasshopper Apps
- Good Karma Apps
- MightyBookJR.com
- Dexteria
- MoBlue Tech
- Ruckus Media Group
- Tizio Publishing
- Grace App for iPhone, iTouch and iPad- Picture Exchange for Non-Verbal People
- Pictello
- iCommunicate
- Proloquo2Go

Favorite Apps for Special Needs

Another list of apps for children with special needs. I wouldn't say it is a list of the "best" because every child has such different needs. However, this will give you a list of ten apps that many people are finding useful.

http://www.appolicious.com/curated-apps/3682-best-apps-for-children-with-special-needs

Redeeming Promo Codes

Here is a great explanation of how to redeem a promotional code. You can redeem a code from your iTunes account or directly from your device. The process is slightly different for each of those methods but both are very easy. Following developers and other groups on facebook is a great way to snag some promo codes. I will be posting a list of some of the facebook pages I follow related to apps.


http://www.innerfence.com/howto/redeem-free-promo-code-for-iphone-app-from-iphone-or-itunes

Angry Birds

There are many game apps out there that can be used as reinforcers during therapy or testing. Most, if not all, have many opportunities to work on language skills, too. I’ll address a few that I like in the the next few posts beginning with….

Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio (all free versions for me)
Apparently many people find these birds and pigs addicting. Luckily, I do not. Basically with this game you lauch the birds at the pigs to make them pop. It takes some planning to get themost points or stars at each level.

Some language ideas to work on with these games include positional concepts, sequencing, seasonal vocabulary, size and shape concepts, describing, asking and answering questions, explaining strategy/reasoning, writing or telling about how to play the game, vocabulary (think of new words like launch), comparing and contrasting… and the list goes on.

What else can you work on with the Angry Birds games?

Search 'angry birds' in itunes and all the paid and free options for the iPod Touch/iPhone and the iPad come up for you.

what kinds of apps do you want?

When looking for apps to use in speech-language therapy there is definitely a gap. Also, of the ones I do like and use there is room for improvement. So, my question to you- what do you wish you could find in an app? A certain language skills? Something different than the artic apps out there?

Conversation Builder App

This article tells about the app Conversation Builder. It is going on my wish list!

http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/sp_2/archive/2011/07/11/awesome-apps.aspx

apraxia poem

Family Matters

A Poemby Mindy Wagnerby Mindy Wagner, mother of Garrett, diagnosed with suspected apraxia of speech All of the expectations Still loom in the back of my mind Remembering the day that they told me That he was more than a little behind He looks at me with great beauty And an always glistening eye As if he knows theres a problem And he is looking and asking "why?" All of the answers he's wanting Are still questions I ask inside Trying to find the answers The emotion, I'm trying to hide I am realizing how strong God has made him How he grows and learns more each day He has strength and determination I know silent he will not stay There is a world out there that needs him Needs all that he has to give So through the years we will teach him How to talk, how to love, how to live This is but a fleeting moment So I kneel at the bed and pray For the strength that God has given my son And the power to teach him today https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=chKMI0PIIsE&b=701779&ct=464405

discounted OT app

Dexteria is on sale through midnight tonight. 2.99 from 9.99, so a pretty good discount. I don't have the app, have never used it, and am not an OT so I can't speak personally about it. However, if your child needs fine motor practice it might be a good thing to try.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dexteria-fine-motor-skill/id420464455?mt=8