How an iPad helped Tom with brushing his teeth

In the 5 months since Tom got an iPad from Hearts and Minds, it has helped him in all sorts of unexpected ways, according to Sue, his Mum:

"As you can see, he now brushes his teeth better, and more willingly using a Brush Time App.  The iPad also got him interested in doing puzzles and colouring, which started on the iPad and has now progressed into an interest in actual puzzles and colouring books, widening his previous interests.

"Although non-verbal he will hold 'conversations' using the talking back animal Apps on the iPad, encouraging him vocally.  He has also improved his recognition of shapes and colours using learning Apps on the iPad, which I can now see in his daily understanding of language. It has really widened his world!"

Could an iPad help your child too?

If you live in Britain, simply collect 165 old mobile phones and the Manchester-based charity Hearts and Minds will exchange them for a new iPad.

Details here:

Website: : heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/
Facebook: facebook.com/HeartsAndMindsUK 

Twitter: @handmchallenge

Pinterest: Hearts and Minds

YouTube: HeartsAndMindsUK

Google+: Hearts and Minds

More about the charity here: Hearts & Minds Challenge

Autism, sensory needs, and apps that can help

Sensory differences are at the heart of many of the everyday challenges that face children and adults with autism.  The National Autistic Society has great information on how the senses work, the difficulties faced by those with autism, and who and what can help:

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/the-sensory-world-of-autism.aspx

But an iPad can also help, with scheduling and using a sensory diet, and with ideas.  I hope to develop a list of useful sensory apps, and here is a review of the first one:

http://special-ism.com/review-of-brain-works-app/

Could an iPad help your child too?

If you live in Britain, simply collect 165 old mobile phones and the Manchester-based charity Hearts and Minds will exchange them for a new iPad.

Details here:

Website: : heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/
Facebook: facebook.com/HeartsAndMindsUK 

How to have a Happy Halloween with #autism

The noise, and colour and excitement and crowds at Halloween can be quite challenging for children with #autism.  So with the countdown underway here are some useful links to advice, information and apps to make the day more fun for everyone!

How to prepare and practice:

http://www.parents.com/blogs/to-the-max/2012/10/03/autism/making-halloween-fun-for-kids-with-autism/

http://support.autism-society.org/site/PageServer?pagename=halloween_tips

Apps to get your child in the mood:

http://www.appymall.com/

And finally this might be helpful for some kids...



(from the Sound of Silence at http://www.facebook.com/soskai)

If your child needs an iPad please check out Hearts and Minds:

Website: http://www.heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeartsAndMindsUK
Twitter: @handmchallenge

This scheme began in Ireland: http://www.autismirelandphones.ie/

Promo codes for Wombi apps for kids - have your iPads ready!

Swedish App developers Wombi have given eleven promotional codes for their kids' apps to Hearts and Minds.

AROUND THE CLOCK is their most ambitious app, containing 24 mini-games, one for every hour of the day.  It was included in the Guardian’s 50 BEST APPS FOR KIDS earlier this year.

There is one promotional code for this - first person to click gets it.

http://redeem-now.com/83de2bc5b144

TOUCH AND LISTEN is a popular picture book app.  Check it out here: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id503242552).


Here are 10 codes to try it out for free:

JPJPHELJYPAH
LMXMAYXRJ7P9
93KK7HLAWLH9
FFMAPXYTW9LF
PFN7TTJRYYL4
3M3YMEWHHRK4
P4M9LKAPWKJJ
3P7MXLMLLK4L
YYT9R349H6TM
3TWWW4NRT9YP

 

(There is also a free lite version so everyone can get one copy: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id535793356)

 

If your child needs an iPad please check out Hearts and Minds:

Website: http://www.heartsandmindsphones.co.uk/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HeartsAndMindsUK
Twitter: @handmchallenge

This scheme began in Ireland: http://www.autismirelandphones.ie/