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IPads rule okay! IPads, apps and autism

IPads are a very powerful tool of learning and are at the cutting edge of technology. They are for the trendiest kid on the block! For any learner, they provide a fascinating platform on which to: •Have fun and enjoyment •Play interactive games, read a book, listen to music... •Follow interests or chill out •Communicate •Learn •Have social interactions •Access the whole world For those on the autistic spectrum it is no different. The above areas that I have identified are usually flagged up as difficult for them in everyday life. So it is significant that such youngsters can socialise, communicate and access the world around, through a technology that works with a swipe of a hand or a tapping finger. The iPad opens a door for them to enter into a communicating world of interactions. You may raise the point that iPads may become obsessively compulsive, yes, and no doubt for some they will. All my grandchildren are keen users of my iPads, even my three-year-old great granddaughter. She beats me every time on 'TinTin's Adventure' app! But as a sensible adult, I set the rules and balance life experiences, making sure they have real life sensory activities and fun with me as well. So, they are very expensive and what will happen as one is hurled across the room in excitement or despair! No problem, iPads can be put in an indestructible case so they remain safe and sound no matter what happens. The case I use for my iPad has been designed for the SAS, been dropped from a helicopter and has been in many death defying situations with me, and remains intact!

Now to apps. This is a short name for an application that transfers onto the iPad, purchased from iTunes on the Internet. The unique point about buying apps from Apple at the iTunes store, is that they are all vetted, screened and carefully monitored before being accepted. This does not

happen with android apps.

There are millions of apps out there. The nice thing is they are for everyone, so autism fades away because an app like the best seller 'Angry Birds’, is a best seller for all. There are specific apps with labels 'for autism' but to be honest, I ignore these labels, as usually they are good for anyone. Inclusion at its best.

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Apps come in all shapes, sizes and themes. Look for free or lite apps, as they will give you an idea of the content, to see if they are suitable for a particular youngster. You can place apps into folders on a theme for a learner. To finish, here are apps that will be of interest to readers in two areas, communication and trains. Why trains? It has been my experience that Thomas the Tank dominates the thought of many of the youngsters I meet, who are on the autistic spectrum. These apps will show a way forward, onwards and upwards into a new world of different trains!

Train apps

Super trains free This train looks just like Thomas but is quite thrilling. It takes you on a journey through mountains, into tunnels or over viaducts. It is in 3D orientation and well worth buying the full version.

Toca train

Created by Toca Boca, one of the best apps designers. All aboard? Time to get on Toca Train! You are the train driver in this fun and friendly train simulator. The controls are intuitive and there are no written instructions. Just pull the

levers, push the buttons, and start!

Clicky sticky train

Tap on a train and drag into a range of settings to create a train scene. There are sound effects like a train whistle and steam.

Stop that train A simple app with a stick man trying to stop the train from crashing by tapping the screen.

Build and play 3D plane train This is visually attractive in 3D. The train is shown then breaks into pieces. Put the pieces together to make the train, comes with music.

Choo choo

One of my favourites, this has brilliant music and train effects, lots of activities, steam engines and games. Play trains or build train tracks.

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Irun trains lite

This is serious stuff with a set of controls to use and visually stunning as you zoom into the track, control the train and signals or swirl into 3D.

Aboard the number 123 train

A simple counting train, each carriage holds a number and the number is spoken by a male. Counting sheep appear too.

C Collins big cat books-steam train

A lovely interactive story all about a steam train, read by a northern male voice, with train effects. It rhymes and is in short sentences. You can record and do your own story line for the scene.

Look into my eyes steam train

This was devised for eye contact practice for youngsters with autism. Numbers appear in the eyes of the characters, and gain points for the journey. Not sure about this one, it feels uncomfortable.

And just room for two fun communication apps.

Shut up!

What a brilliant way to say how you feel when someone goes on and on. Press the button and you can even shout it in German, French or Spanish!

Answers yes no

‘Answers yes no’ is a simple as that, but gives the silent speaker the opportunity to make choices and have power over their own actions.

Flo Longhorn April 2013 florencelonghorn@gmail.com