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A disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. The diagnostic criteria require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three years old. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize; how this occurs is not well understood. It is one of three recognized disorders in the autism spectrum (ASDs), the other two being Asperger syndrome, which lacks delays in cognitive development and language, and pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (commonly abbreviated as PDD-NOS), which is diagnosed when the full set of criteria for autism or Asperger syndrome are not met.
 * WHAT IS AUTISM?**

People with autism can have different 'degrees' of learning disability, which can affect all aspects of their life, from studying in school to learning how to wash themselves or make a meal. Some people will be able to live fairly independently - although they may need a degree of support to achieve this - while others may require lifelong, specialist support.

The sixth annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2nd. Support autism aweareness by going to lightitupblue.com or autismspeaks.com and donating!

Here are some ways technology can help individuals with Autism learn!

iPhone  **and** iPad ====[|Hows the iPad Can Help Kids with Autism] [|Autism Apps by Touch Autism] [|iPads & Autism: Can Technology Help Kids Communicate?] ====

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==**How can the ** iPhone ** and **iPad **can help children with autism? **==

====Autistic children know what to expect when they tap or slide the iPad.  They cannot anticipate human expressions and reactions, which frustrates them.  Certain apps have proven useful for autistic children, particularly ones that match fun graphics to words and actions, and help the child visualize a task. When an autistic child watches a step-by-step guide to hand washing on the iPad, they can predict how to do it in real life. ====

**Benefits the iPad has on children with autism in the classroom. **

 * //social skills//
 * //language and communication skills//
 * //sensory skills//
 * //functional skills//
 * //stress reduction//
 * //willingness to socialize//
 * //enhances attention spans//
 * //interest in learning//
 * //engaged//

**Top Ten Apps for Children with Autism **

 * 1) Look in My Eyes
 * 2) proloquo2GO
 * 3) Autism Express
 * 4) Model Me Going Places
 * 5) Stories 2 Learn
 * 6) icommunicate
 * 7) Grace
 * 8) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">Tap to Talk Education
 * 9) <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 14px;">My Talk Mobile Actions
 * 10) //<span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms',cursive; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5;">iConverse //

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iPods and Autism
There are several Autism specific applications or apps as they're known, for the iPod. From communication programs for nonverbal students, to scheduling and independence aids. Some of the greatest challenges for an autistic child are social outing, speech, transitions, and functioning independently. Some of the apps that are available on the iPod can help to make some of an autistic child’s challenges less challenging.

Jeffrey’s Story Jeffery was dependent on a job coach to perform his duties at work. With the help of an independent aid app, programed by an occupational therapist, he was able to excel at his job without the constant aid and supervision of his job coach. The IPod provided him with specific instructions, and Jeffrey could reference the program when he could not remember what he was supposed to do. His manager noted that he was “more at ease in the workplace, and no longer spins in circles while humming or stamping his feet in the corner.” With the aid of the program Jeffrey’s anxiety was relived and he was able to function at a higher rate. (Abrams 2012)

Tap-to-talk this is a fun talking communication app, all a child need to is choose a picture – tap it, and it will speak their need. Many autistic children have very limited or no speech. This app provides them with an outlet to communicate the wants and needs. In a school setting a teacher can program the app with additional pictures to assess, and probe a student’s knowledge. This app is considered to be the most universal app that can be applied to most autistic children.

Model-me App The model me app helps autistic children deal with social outing. The app helps parents and caregivers to “prep” an autistic child for an outing. It is often hard to for an autistic child to understand and deal with an upcoming haircut, or shopping trip. The app provides the child with a virtual tour of the outing plus speech telling the story.



SMARTBOARDS
Educators there have found SMART Board interactive whiteboards have a profound effect on the learning outcomes of children with ASDs. Teachers have witnessed improvement in the students’ communication and social interaction skills. “What we’ve seen is engagement increases significantly when the SMART Board interactive whiteboard is used. The students’ attention is focused the whole time the board is on. The students are totally engaged. The transformation is so significant that people cannot believe the behaviors they see in these children.” states Kathleen McClaskey. Teachers have reported that ASD students actively participate, comprehend, and retain the lessons that are being taught. (Ellwood 2009)

Here is a fabulous video showing how SMART boards help children with autism. [] [] is a wonderful website that provides teachers with programs and tools that they can use to help children with exceptionalities. The site provides them with lessons and games that will promote learning and social growth.

Skype
School teachers and students everywhere now have an easy way to find each other for collaborative projects and shared learning through a new online platform provided by Skype. Skype in the classroom is a free global community created in response to the growing number of teachers using Skype to help their students learn. Teachers can use the tool to collaborate with other teachers, and find partner classes and guest speakers. Skype in the classroom is designed to help like-minded teachers find each other and relevant projects according to search criteria such as the age groups they teach, location and subjects of interest; and teaching resources can be easily shared and found.

In the past, many teachers have found that the biggest challenge to using Skype in their classrooms has been finding similar classes to pair with. Skype in the classroom presents a solution by bringing like-minded teachers together online and making it easy for them to share skills and ideas.

Today more and more teachers all over the world use Skype to make learning more exciting, interactive and memorable. From language studies and geography lessons to virtual field trips and expert speakers joining classes from afar, Skype video offers an immediate way to help students discover new cultures, languages and ideas, all without leaving the classroom. In addition, teachers are being encouraged to do more to share their expertise and experiences systematically in ways that go beyond the mere exchange of information. It is also reported that teachers who exchange ideas and information and co-ordinate their practices with other teachers report more positive teacher-student relations at their own schools.


 * HOW CAN YOU JOIN SKYPE?**

To join Skype in the classroom, teachers should:
 * 1) Sign up at [|education.skype.com] using their Skype account details
 * 2) Create a profile which includes their interests, location and the age groups they teach
 * 3) Explore the directory to find projects, teachers and resources that match their skills, needs or interests

Skype in the classroom is a members-only community. Once teachers find someone they want to connect with they can add that person as a Skype contact or send them a message through the site.

To find projects, teachers, resources, and inspiration visit [|education.skype.com]