App creators developing programs for autistic children

By Staff Writer

Educators and parents are seeking new ways to break the communication barrier that affects children with autism. Technology is constantly changing and allowing individuals to develop new programs for youth diagnosed with the condition.

In an effort to help autistic children communicate more effectively, Fat Bird Studios has developed a new app for the iPad, iPhone and iTouch called Proloquo2go, reports Mind Shift. The program includes a test-to-speech feature, a large-lettered typepad, and a default vocabulary of over 7,000 symbols that users can create messages with. For example, a cartoon symbol for “see you later” is a face, a clock, and an arrow.

Children who suffer from autism often have difficulties communicating their feelings as well as understanding other people’s emotions. However, Studio Emotion has developed the AutismXpress app, which is designed to help children learn about, identify and express emotions like “angry” or “hungry” through colorful emoticons.

Furthermore, Carney Academy built an iPad app that uses a lively crab character to help autistic children trace the alphabet with their finger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 1 in 110 children suffer from an autism spectrum disorder.