Apps for Autism

DAILY DOT COM - Children with language delays, cognitive impairment and Autism are showing significant improvement and it is all thanks to electronic devices like tablet computers and smartphones.

Symptoms of autism typically appear before a child is three. The three crucial areas of development affected are: social interaction, language and behavior.

But local occupational therapists at Thomas Hospital say they are seeing great progress in terms of helping children with autism to communicate from apps like iCommunicate, Draw ABC and ArtikPix.

icommunicate focuses on behavior and uses personalized story boards to help kids express themselves. Parents can uses their own pictures and audio to create real life situations or tasks they are trying to teach i.e. giving a hug.

For language skills the hospital suggests ArtikPix, which uses flashcards and matching activities to help children with speech or sound delays.

Draw ABC HD is another app the hospital uses. It is great for practicing letters and helps your child to form the letters in the right sequence.

The above applications mentioned are available in Apple's itunes store.

April is Autism awareness month. Thomas Hospital will host an event to help parents and caretakers learn more about Autism focused applications for tablets.

The event will be held at Thomas Hospital in Daphne from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Food will be available and there will an iPad give away. Call 251-279-1642 for more information.