software for autistic children

macca672 · 3 Feb 2010 at 13:26

I have two autistic children and the older one of the two (5years old) is showing a flair for computers at school.

anyone know of any programs that he can use that will help him along?
free or paid either is fine

thanks in advance.

Raumarik · 3 Feb 2010 at 14:19

I used to do tech support for primary and secondary schools, one program that was very popular was Kidpix. I can't really like to any sites but do a google for the PC version.

Essentially it's like a fancy version of MS paint for kids which has sounds which play when you paint, all very simplified. The suite also had video editing tools aimed at kids. Must admit there were a few adults mucking about with it when we were testing

It's easier to get the Mac version than the PC one, as it was originally developed for the Mac, the port to the PC was fine though.

macca672 · 3 Feb 2010 at 14:42

thanks have found a pc version on ebay so snapped that up ata tenner

any others anyone can recommend please?

theheyes · 3 Feb 2010 at 16:52

I don't think I can link directly as they sell hardware, but I doubt the moderators would mind me telling you to Google "inclusive technology" (top link) and have a look on their site. Drop them an email and let them know what sort of thing you are looking for because there is so much it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't just look at software, think hardware too - specialised keyboards etc.

Beyond basic IT skills you can get software for all kinds of things like social stories and making symbols. Contact the school as well to see what software they use and recommend.

macca672 · 3 Feb 2010 at 16:59

thanks theheyes, asked his teachers tonight but they dont know so need to grab there IT tech tomorrow and have a word.

tbh hes great on a normal keyboard types 2 handed using 3 fingers on each hand rather than the usual 1 finger typists

will go have a look on google now, thanks again

theheyes · 3 Feb 2010 at 17:24

A "don't know" from the teacher doesn't sound encouraging. The tech might have a clue but (in theory) the SEN/ICT coordinator should know the most. Ideally you need someone who both knows your child and also what software is out there as it's not cheap unfortunately and what is good for one ASD child is not necessarily good for the other.

Good luck with it anyway.

macca672 · 3 Feb 2010 at 17:42

theheyes said:
A "don't know" from the teacher doesn't sound encouraging. The tech might have a clue but (in theory) the SEN/ICT coordinator should know the most. Ideally you need someone who both knows your child and also what software is out there as it's not cheap unfortunately and what is good for one ASD child is not necessarily good for the other.

Good luck with it anyway.

ah cool, will give the senco a ring tomorrow and see what she can recommend.

thanks again for the advice, appreciate it