SASK Apps: Elementary Reference/Academic Apps

Elementary School Apps This list is not exhaustive. It is a collection of apps that have been used by or made available to my own children and/or students. These would be available for trialing if funding for a Loan Device Program is ever secured in the future. It is also a work in progress and may be edited frequently as categories are expanded upon, or descriptions and/ or new apps are added.
 

CREATE YOUR OWN MATERIALS & SUPPORTS:

View Only/Print & Refer to:

Inspiration Maps REVIEW
Custom Boards
Kabaam


Interactive Apps without Sound:

Tools 4 Students REVIEW
Move & Match






Interactive Apps with Sound:

Bitsboard
Tapikeo
See.Touch.Learn.


Alexicom Elements Story Maker


Abilipad
PuppetPals HD
Toontastic: Free
Toontastic: All Access Pass
See.Touch.Learn Pro
iCommunicate

Reference Apps by Topic

in no particular order; *free when last checked

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE/ FACTS:
A Fact Every Day! 365 fun facts for kids by Wombi Apps
jeffy's World HD by Qlvr
 

(Geography)

Stack the States

Stack the Countries

SimpleSort Continents
State Bingo and Road Trip US by Niyaa

 

(History)

Presidents vs. Aliens
Ansel and Clair: Paul Revere's Ride REVIEW
Ansel and Clair : Cretaceous Dinosaurs REVIEW
 

(Apples)

Golden Apple App*

(Astronomy/Planets)

Google Earth

NASA App HD *
NASA App * (iPhone version)
NASA Visualization Explorer
Spacecraft 3D

GravitySim

Star Rover HD

Starlight

Milky Way: sky map

Introducing Planet Earth - LAZ Reader [Level L - second grade]
Planet Tracker (my 8 year old was intrigued but possibly more appropriate for middle school+ )

iPlanet by Micha Games Removed from App Store??, could not locate link.

(Inventions and Experiments)
Thomas Edison: "Little Al, the Inventor" - Famous People Series (this is a book)
FunScience by themissinglynx

(Seasons/Changes/Weather)

The Water Cycle * (iPad only)
Plants HD (iPad only)
Lulu Tree (for iPhone; shows an apple tree transforming through the seasons, interactive)

swackett * (w/ in- app purchases; uses current location to dress a figure according to weather)
Painting with Time (iPad only; shows seasonal changes, changes over time) (iPhone version avail.)
Painting with Time: Climate Change (iPad only; shows climate changes over time) (iPhone version avail. also)

Academic Apps by Developer & Subject Area :
* free (full version) apps available from this developer at time of posting

VirtualNye Prostranstva LLC (Mainly math, science topics) *
GAMeS Lab at RU (Math, history, geography, science topics) *
Operatio Apps (Math, other )
Esa Helttula (Math)
@Reks (Math, Language Arts)
Gozoa (Math)
Beiz (Math, Language Arts)
Dan Russell-Pinson (Math, physics (build/create), geography, history)
StudyPad, Inc. (Splash Math series of apps- math, telling time)
NeoLithix, LLC (Math, language arts, social studies, science)
NRCC Games (Math, personal finances, language arts)
Mobile Education Tools (Language arts)
Green Mountain Digital (Biology: Audubon wildlife/ plantlife, other)
Generate Learning (Language Arts, Early Learning)
Doonan Speech Therapy (Language Arts, Early Learning)

SASK Apps- Special Education Early Childhood Apps

Special Education Early Childhood Apps

This list is not exhaustive. It is a collection of apps that have been used by or made available to my own children and/or students. These would be available for trialing if funding for a Loan Device Program is ever secured in the future. It is also a work in progress and may be edited frequently as categories are expanded upon, or descriptions and/ or new apps are added.

Some apps have been marked iPhone- I tried to do this for all apps but have likely missed some. These will still work on an iPod touch or iPad.  On an iPad you will have to tap the 2x symbol in the corner of the screen to zoom in to the size of the iPad screen.  Sometimes text or images are not as crisp in this mode, but all apps marked iPhone should run on iPad.  However, apps marked iPad will not work on an iPhone or iPod. If an app is not marked iPhone or iPad, it is universal and can be run on both without losing screen quality.

Some free apps have ads.  You can go in to the settings on the iPad and set your iPad to "Airplane Mode" to temporarily disable ads.

Pretend Play Apps
These are great for turn-taking, language expansion, vocabulary, and some are also helpful in identifying emotions, early theory of mind etc. The list is in random order.

(Baking/Cooking)
Easy-Bake Treats by Hasbro
Pizza HD-Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ads, small in-app purchase)
Make Juice Now- Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ ads, small in-app purchase)
Ice Cream Maker- Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ ads, small in-app purchase)
Toca Kitchen
Toca Monsters
Bo's Dinnertime by Heppi
Cake Doodle by Shoe the Goose
Cookie Doodle by Shoe the Goose
More Grillin' by Maverick Software
More Breakfast by Maverick Software

(Bedtime)
Bo's Bedtime Story by Heppi (iPad only)
Bo's Bedtime by Heppi (iPhone)

(Birthday)
Toca Birthday Party

(Cars/Vehicles)
Cars in Sandbox : Construction by Thematica
Cars in sandbox : Construction for iPhone by Thematica (iPhone)

(Dentist/Doctor)
Workday Dentist by Merge Mobile
Toca Doctor

(Dress-Up)

(Gardening)
Huerto Virtual

(Hair)
Toca Hair Salon
Toca Hair...Christmas

(House)
Toca House
My PlayHome by Shimon Young
Kids at Home HD by KidoState Limited

(Set the Table/Meal Time)
Toca Tea Party
Toca Birthday Party
Bo's Dinnertime

(Store)
Toca Store

(Vehicles)
See Cars
Cars in sandbox: Space rover * by Thematica

(Washing Animals)
iWash my Cats by Portegno Apps

(Weather)
Where's My Dress? by Thematica

(Multi-themed)
Makego - drive, modify and fuel a vehicle, sell ice cream, repair a boat


Learning Themes/Topics


(Animals)
see also specific animal topics
Wombi's Picture Book of Animals by Wombi Apps
Animal Stickers by Mind Juice Media (iPad only)


(Building/Creating)

My Toys

(Dinosaurs)
Dinosaurs!

(Farm)
My Farm Friends Stickers (iPhone)
(Multi-Themed)

Injini: Child Development Game Suite by NCSoft (iPad only)
Kids Mag Issue O1 by Portegno Apps (iPad only)
KidsMag Issue 2 by Portegno Apps (iPad only)
KidsMag Issue 03 by Portegno Apps (iPad only)

(Occupations)
Flashcard Puzzles - Occupations by Portegno Apps (iPhone)
My Profession * by My First App.com (iPad only; lite/free version w/in-app purchase)
Matching Jobs * (lite/free version w/in-app purchase)

(Playtime)
Fido's Treehouse Adventure by Pixel Interactive
(Robots)
Robots Activity Cards (for iPhone)
Toca Robot Lab by Toca Boca


(Vehicles)
My First App Vehicles by Appp Media
Road Vehicle

Also see:
Cause &Effect Apps

App Developers for Early Childhood:

Toca Boca (pretend play, learning themes)
Portegno Apps (learning themes, pretend play, )
Kindergarten.com (learning themes)
Shoe the Goose (pretend play, learning themes)
Thematica ( pretend play, learning themes)
Oceanhouse Media (familiar book apps)
MyFirstApp.com * (learning themes, basic concepts- many free apps to try with $2 in-app purchase)
Heppi (pretend play, learning themes )
Maverick Software (pretend play, learning themes)
Merge Mobile (pretend play, learning themes, academic subjects)
Pixel Interactive (learning themes, early math, ABCs, music)
Grasshopperapps.com* ( basic concepts, simple stories, language arts, math- * many free apps)



SASK Cause & Effect Apps

Cause &Effect Apps Tweet
This list is not exhaustive. It is a collection of apps that have been used by or made available to my own children and/or students.  These are available for trialing through the Loan Device Library. It is also a work in progress and may be edited frequently as categories are expanded upon, or descriptions and/ or new apps are added.

Some apps have been marked iPhone- I tried to do this for all apps but have likely missed some. These will still work on an iPod touch or iPad. On an iPad you will have to tap the 2x symbol in the corner of the screen to zoom in to the size of the iPad screen. Sometimes text or images are not as crisp in this mode, but all apps marked iPhone should run on iPad. However, apps marked iPad will not work on an iPhone or iPod. If an app is not marked iPhone or iPad, it is universal and can be run on both without losing screen quality.

See also SENSORY Lights & Sounds Apps


(Basic)

Vocalize/Speak to create sound and/or action:
Magic Voice * by Synapse Apps, LLC (FREE with in-app purchase)
Party Blowouts * by Drukka hu. Kft.
Butterflies - iBlower (more options from the same developer below:) * SASK FAVORITE*
Bugs - iBlower ; Magic Lucky Charms - iBlower ; Lucky Horse Shoes - iBlower ; Hearts - iBlower
Stars - iBlower ; Christmas Cookies - iBlower ; Animals - iBlower ; Magic Halloween- iBlower ; Fruits and Vegetables- iBlower ; Alphabet- iBlower ; Clouds- iBlower ; Numbers - iBlower; Faces - iBlower ; FireBall - iBlower ; Leaves - iBlower ; Euro Coins - iBlower
Quiet Please (you can program your own recordings to be activated)
Waves by Aestesis LLC
Bla Bla Bla
Sensory Speak Up Too- speech therapy fun effects- one of many FREE apps from Sensory Apps Ltd.

(There are also quite a few free w/ in app "talking" apps such as Talking Tom, Gina the Giraffe etc.)

Touch anywhere on screen to create sound and/or action:
w/ any touch:
Colorful Rotating Bear... by Naomi Izumizaki
Random Touch
Broom-Broom for iPad* by Atech inc. (has ads, can remove w/ in-app purchase. Touch the screen and a roadway and moving vehicles will follow the roadway, making vehicle noises. )
Let's play with trains! for iPad* by Atech inc. (has ads, can remove w/ in-app purchase)
Touch and Born! Moving paint for iPad* by Atech inc. (has ads, can remove w/ in-app purchase)
First Colors * by Michael Irlam (When you touch the screen it changes color; a color label is displayed and the color name is spoken. Sounds and Word Labels can be shut off.)
First Alphabet * by Michael Irlam
First Numbers * by Michael Irlam
Butterflies - iBlower ( touching the screen will cause a butterfly/butterflies to appear and move across the screen, then fade away. These have ads- at least the free ones do- you can put your iPad in airplane mode to disable ads temporarily; Options from the same developer below:)
Bugs - iBlower ; Magic Lucky Charms - iBlower ; Lucky Horse Shoes - iBlower ; Hearts - iBlower
Stars - iBlower ; Christmas Cookies - iBlower ; Animals - iBlower ; Magic Halloween- iBlower ; Fruits and Vegetables- iBlower ; Alphabet- iBlower ; Clouds- iBlower ; Numbers - iBlower; Faces - iBlower ; FireBall - iBlower ; Leaves - iBlower ; Euro Coins - iBlower

Sensory Coloco- Symmetry Painting and Visual Effects -one of many FREE apps from Sensory Apps Ltd.
Finger Paint with Sounds by Inclusive Technology Ltd.

Musical Paint Pro by Building Blocks Media (touch the screen to paint with color and sound simultaneously- controls to change thickness and color shade)


RadSounds Lite* By RJ Cooper & Associates (comes with one song- free w/ $4.99 in-app purchase to use additional songs, record or import custom music; SWITCH ACCESSIBLE- can set it to respond only when screen is touched, or for a set number of seconds after user releases switch or lets go of screen - switch not required to use)

RadSounds (see above, full version)

For additional switch accesible games & products, see here: http://pinterest.com/lasenders/switch-accessible-apps-and-ipad-compatible-switch-/

Select object(s) on screen to create sound and/or action:
w/any touch ( tap, mulitple fingers):
Touch Trainer by Touch Autism (set to 'Any Touch'; begins as 1 large screen to activate, challenge increases with play, including buttons in new locations, field of 3, field of 6. There is no "wrong" choice as the field of choices increases- as long as a button is selected, the user will be rewarded with a corresponding sound/movement)

Smart Tot Rattle (3 identical objects of different colors, touch any of the three objects to activate sound. Dragging action will create movement.)
Beautiful Bubbles by Joe Scrivens (set to Free Mode -user pops 10 bubbles of different colors and sizes; set to challenge mode to pop many bubbles of different colors and sizes)

Marcus' Discoveries HD (iPhone version also available. Field of 20. 20 images are presented. Tap an image to enlarge it, a corresponding sound is activated.)


(With Additional Challenge)
These may require an additional visual or motoric challenge, or knowledge of a concept such as "touch same" "touch different" "touch the empty space" or early theory of mind- what is so and so thinking or needing?

w/finger isolation:
Touch Trainer by Touch Autism (set to 'Only Distinct Taps'; begins as 1 large screen to activate, challenge increases with play, including buttons in new locations, field of 3, field of 6. There is no "wrong" choice as the field of choices increases- as long as a button is selected, the user will be rewarded with a corresponding sound/movement.)
Slide & Spin by MyFirstApp.com (some of the buttons require finger isolation to activate image/sound)

Trace a path from one object to another to make sound and/or action:
w/swipe:
BrushRoute by Wandering Dolphins
Injini Child Development Game Suite by NCsoft (Tracing activity, challenge increases with play)
Dot Collector by Ellie's Games, LLC (starts w/ one dot to drag to hole, number of dots increases with play)
Slide & Spin by MyFirstApp.com (some of the buttons require dragging/sliding to activate image/sound)

Touch an object, then distinguish among remaining objects to touch to make sound and/or action:
w/any touch (tap, multiple fingers):
Color Squares by Ellie' Games, LLC (tap any square to change its color, then tap all remaining squares until all squares have merged into a large rectangle of the same color- challenge increases with play)
Injini Child Development Game Suite by NCsoft (Farm- Chicks. tap the eggs until the chick inside has hatched, then tap another egg to do the same etc.)
(Farm- Horses. tap the trough to feed a horse. Must use visual & auditory cues horses give -snorting, whinnying, hearts in horses' eyes- to determine if a horse needs hay or is full.)

Touch an empty location on a screen to make sound and/or action:
w/any touch (tap, multiple fingers, swipe):
Baby Discover Images by Richard Hatch
(Touch a blank spot on the screen to reveal a portion of its hidden image. User must select a new, blank spot to uncover more of the hidden image, until finally the whole image is uncovered, and a sound is made. If an already touched spot is touched again, the screen will sparkle in that spot, but the image will remain unchanged. If you don't do anything, the screen will display the uncovered image and make a sound after about 5 seconds. Sounds and sparkles can be shut off through Settings on the iPad.)

TickleMe Animals (iPhone; Touch a spot on the screen to reveal a portion of its hidden image. User must select a new, blank spot to uncover more of the hidden image, until finally the whole image is uncovered.  When the image is uncovered, the title of the picture is voiced and shown on the screen.)

SASK Apps: Pretend Play

Pretend Play Apps
These are great for turn-taking, language expansion, vocabulary, and some are also helpful in identifying emotions, early theory of mind etc. The list is in random order.

(Baking/Cooking)
Easy-Bake Treats by Hasbro
Pizza HD-Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ads, small in-app purchase)
Make Juice Now- Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ ads, small in-app purchase)
Ice Cream Maker- Cooking game * by HealthCode (free w/ ads, small in-app purchase)
Toca Kitchen
Toca Monsters
Bo's Dinnertime by Heppi
Cake Doodle by Shoe the Goose
Cookie Doodle by Shoe the Goose
More Grillin' by Maverick Software
More Breakfast by Maverick Software

(Bedtime)
Bo's Bedtime Story by Heppi (iPad only)
Bo's Bedtime by Heppi (iPhone)
(Birthday)
Toca Birthday Party

(Cars/Vehicles)
Cars in Sandbox : Construction by Thematica
Cars in sandbox : Construction for iPhone by Thematica (iPhone)

(Dentist/Doctor)
Workday Dentist by Merge Mobile
Toca Doctor


(Dress-Up)


(Gardening)
Huerto Virtual


(Hair)
Toca Hair Salon
Toca Hair...Christmas


(House)
Toca House
My PlayHome by Shimon Young
Kids at Home HD by KidoState Limited


(Set the Table/Meal Time)
Toca Tea Party
Toca Birthday Party
Bo's Dinnertime


(Store)
Toca Store


(Vehicles)
See Cars
Cars in sandbox: Space rover * by Thematica

(Washing Animals)
iWash my Cats by Portegno Apps

(Weather)
Where's My Dress? by Thematica

(Multi-themed)
Makego - drive, modify and fuel a vehicle, sell ice cream, repair a boat

Apps for "Social Thinking" & Emotions

Apps for Social Thinking
Tweet

These include social skills curriculum, video modeling apps, and app tools for emotional regulation.

Social Thinking, Conversation & Feelings:

The Social Express (understand social rules, identify feelings)
Social Skill Builder (understand social rules, identify feelings)
The Hidden Curriculum (understand social rules)
Conversation Coach (conversational exchanges)
Conversation Builder Deluxe (conversational exchanges)

Understanding Appropriate Physical Boundaries:
iModeling Boundaries (appropriate/expected behaviors for different levels of friendship/acquaintance- hug vs. handshake etc.)

Eye Contact:
Look In My Eyes (various apps- eye contact: "eyes can hold valuable information" * FYI :these are apps my son enjoys but some people consider focusing on this to be controversial)

Identify Feelings & Facial Expressions:
Feel Electric! (identify feelings, body language, facial expression )
The Body Language of Veronica Sue (body language, identify feelings)
A little Book About Feelings (identify feelings)
The Grouchies (identify feelings)
Understanding Faces (facial expression, identify feelings)
Smile at Me (identify happy, sad, imitate happy, sad)

Facing Up Odd One Out Quiz (facial expression)
All Smiles (facial expression)
Face Cards C (facial expression)
Face Cards F (facial expression)

Video Modeling & "Social Stories":
My Video Schedule (video modeling)
iModeling (video modeling)
AutisMate (AAC, video modeling, "social stories")
i See-quence ... (various titles) by i Get it Apps ("Social stories", visual routines)


Theory of Mind/ Pretend Play "Games":
(The characters in these apps express what they like and what they don't like via changes in emotion, voice and/or thought bubbles)

Toca Boca Kitchen
Toca Hair Salon
Where's My Dress?
Workday Dentist

Tools & Strategies for Emotional Regulation:
Social Navigator
Calm Counter
Sosh
The Shredder
5 Point Scale (needs update- an image in the splash screen is incorrect)

Thanks to my "Secret Santa" I have a KidBox case!

There is a special "Secret Santa" type program for teachers that I signed up for at redditgifts.com. I signed up in passing after seeing a friend post on it, and much to my surprise a couple of weeks later- this Saturday- this lovely gift showed up at my door!  It is called the KidBox Cover by KaysCase and I love it.  I was afraid the foam would be too thin or flimsy when I put it on my wish list, but I had yet to find a case with a handle that was lightweight-  the verdict is in and it's not flimsy!  I have tried out an Otterbox and Griffin Survivor -They are definitely good cases, but they are also pretty heavy!  I still find them very good choices for a child with direct access to an iPad who is a bit on the destructive side, but for a situation where the adult is in control of the iPad, but is working with kids- I think this KidBox is the perfect compromise, until those three team up to make a KidBox with Griffin's screen protector and Otterbox's hard snap-on lid ;)  It does not have a built in screen protector, but my secret Santa sent me one as well!  I'll see how it holds up with my preschool special needs students, especially. If need be, I believe there are protective "faceplates" I could purchase- there is some wiggle room to install something like that over the iPad screen but inside the case.  Also, the iPad seems decently recessed in the case so that if it were to fall on its face it would be just fine. Cross fingers!

 

It is still easy to charge without taking it out, I can access the volume and on/off switch too. And I love that I can use the handle as the stand.  It will stand up in landscape mode on the handle -it seems a little precarious as if it might fall over but it hasn't on a smooth surface.   I can fold it the other way to have a comfortable angle for typing data or using with a kiddo on the floor.  I think it is great for a therapist or teacher.  It would probably be great for most parents to use with their children too, but if you have a child who bites or tears at things I am not sure how it would withstand that, which would be a concern if I ever manage to get a device loaning program established for local parents. (Some of my students might help me figure out the answer first ;) )

 

 

Anyhow no more whining about finding a protective but lightweight case with a handle.  I think this is perfect for my needs!  Thank you, C.W.M. - I will be figuring out a way to pay this forward ;) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review and Giveaway: AutisMate by SpecialNeedsWare

AutisMate, by SpecialNeedsWare

I can't even begin to describe all the capabilities of this app- it is very feature rich.  The best way to get a sense of this app is to watch the video of it; the tutorial within the app itself will take care of the rest: SpecialNeedsWare's video tour of AutisMate  What I can add is that is very versatile- you can add your own pictures, or use the extensive library of SymbolStix; you can use synthesized speech or record your own voice, which is especially great for non-native English speakers but also for users who need a familiar voice-  It also has a GPS feature you can enable where based on your location the correct scene will come up.  You can also manually switch locations as well by pressing on the map icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen.

Modes of Communication/Learning

There are two main "modes" the user can access for communication and learning: Scenes, and Word boards. Within the Scenes you can embed "hot spots" that contain images, symbols or videos.  Within the scenes you can create what AutisMate calls "Story Spots".  These are stories to teach a skill/show a sequence of steps.  You can create word boards along the bottom of the screen containing categories and buttons. I love how you can nest categories- it doesn't seem as there any limitation- in other words I can make a category with subcategories, and sub-sub categories (totally made that term up, hah!)

The editing functions can be shut off through the Settings on the iPad itself, so no worries about a user accidentally deleting pages or scenes.  (If you look at the screen shots, you'll notice some have a row of editing buttons)

Accesibility

Another thing I love about AutisMate is the consideration for users with motor difficulties.  The scene buttons are large- six scenes occupy each page, and a swipe reveals additional pages of scenes. The word board buttons and the hot spot buttons are both adjustable in size. The hot spot buttons' largest size is about the size of a half dollar.
As for the scrolling row of symbols that can be accessed along the bottom of the screen, they are decently sized too- about the size of a postage stamp if I had to guess.  Once a symbol is selected, the word board itself can be set to display as few as 2 or as many as 18 buttons on the screen- the user can swipe to access additional rows of buttons.

Some Uses

Aside from the obvious purpose of communication, here are a few more specific ways I am using the app for communication, and learning:

Making Choices 
 I easily set up a "My iPad" choice board for my sons' and students' choice of iPad apps- in fact I was able to use the "copy" feature to use the same buttons under my son's category and my students' category. It is very easy to set up new pages of buttons.  Also I can easily add a scene and embed a pop-up choice board under a hot spot . Next up is adding a hot spot to a picture with the computer, and putting choices of computer games in it.

Safety
 I made a "Help" scene that I did not share for privacy reasons that has a picture with all my son's emergency contacts that I had taken at a family gathering (you could also use one of many photo frame editing apps to assemble everyone in one image). We are practicing their phone numbers, which I have recorded in a hot spot for each family member. The next step will be setting up a Story Spot showing what kinds of places to go to ask help- my son recently got lost at a special birthday celebration for Grandma at a very large, crowded hotel; my son was terrified, and did not know to look for the reception desk to get help from an employee, even though he most likely did know our phone number. I think making Story Spots with pictures of a reception desk, and hotel gift shop- perhaps with embedded videos of what to say to the employees if lost- would have helped tremendously in this situation.

Teaching new skills
As mentioned above, you could have a picture with various relatives with their names/ phone numbers embedded in hot spots, or you could use video modeling embedded in a scene to present a new skill- pouring juice, tying shoes- , saying hi to a teacher. A Story Spot could be used to present a sequence of steps to the user- After tying my son's shoes about a zillion times the other day, it's time to set up a sequence for that a.s.a.p. I can also easily, and embed them under a hot spot. Next up is adding a hot spot to a picture with the computer, and putting choices of computer games in it.

Medical needs
Add hot spots to a picture of a body with Pop-Up symbols/phrases for each.  For  example I set a body picture as a scene, added a hot spot to "stomach", and then added a pop-up window with two symbols- "stomach", and the phrase "my stomach hurts" If I remember the next time my son has a stomach ache, I can take a picture of him and we can include that as a conversation starter as well.  Remember when... (relating past experiences is a goal we are currently working on)

Reinforcing skills
If your child is struggling to do something but has done it in the past, video modeling can serve as a reminder of the process. If a child struggles with getting his shoes on before leaving the house, you could take a picture of where you child's shoes are stored, then embed a video of the user putting his shoes on. You can play the video before the child puts his shoes on.

Shaping behavior
As for my own son, we are working on getting off the computer instead of clinging to it while screaming "Wait, wait!" ;) Now that summer is coming to an end and there will be more school and less play, I am sure we will be practicing this with AutisMate very soon!

Wish List
(I always have one!)

During set up there was one thing I would like to change- when I set a label for an image, I would love to use whatever the label is to simultaneously record the phrase (Synthesized option, obviously). This would save a lot of set up time instead of setting the label by typing it in, then going to "Record the phrase" and again typing the exact same message in.

The symbols get really pixelated when used as a scene background i.e. using the symbol "body" to teach body parts with hot spots for different areas of the body. For my own kiddo I can use a real picture of him, but for students, I need to use an illustration to teach these concepts. However, if the solution for making the images crisper at this size is to increase the size of the app, I'd rather search for a higher resolution google image instead, as I prefer more space on my iPad. This is not a lightweight app as it stands- The app store description claims 389 MB, but usage stats in my iPad weigh this app in at 458 MB- and that's not including extra megabytes from my own added content (535 MB).   As an educator, parent of a child with special needs, and an community advocate sharing every app I can get my hands on, I tend to obsess about every little megabyte. But no worries, for the vast majority of people this is a non-issue (and there are quite a few special needs apps nearly double this size, by the way, trust me, you will be more than fine in terms of storage space.)

End result - it's a keeper!  I am sure as the school year progresses I can think up a bunch of new ways to use AutisMate with my kiddos!

And yes, I consciously chose to keep the top three stock images that came with the app for the kitchen, room and bathroom for the purposes of this review... they make my house look much prettier than in real life. The first image is in user mode, the second screenshot is identical but in edit mode.

I set the app to GPS mode to keep the app on the "Home" scenes. This is in user mode. 

This is identical to the first screen shot, but with edit mode activated.



This is the most accesible setting, two buttons per screen. This is in edit mode. The blue slider bar at the top is set all the way to the right, to the largest, most accesible setting.



Using the smallest setting of buttons, in editing mode. You can touch the blue question mark to open the help comments in red.



The hot spots set to their largest, most accessible setting. This is in user mode. If the face symbol is tapped, the word boards will pop up.If the hotspots are tapped, an image or group of images (i.e. food choices under the yellow star) , a series of images (a Story Spot) or a video will be displayed.



A "choice board" I made for iPad app choices.



I selected the category "Mom's choices" from the previous screenshot to reveal more category buttons to choose from. If I had included the next screenshot in the series, it would show a series of buttons, each with a different app title on it.



The first image of several in a StorySpot about using the iPad.

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App Review and Giveaway: Where's My Dress? by Thematica

Where's My Dress? by Thematica (99 cents at time of review)

Where's My Dress? is an early learning app that will help teach young children about dressing appropriately for the weather.  It is one of a handful of early learning apps by Thematica (Where's My Dress? , Cars in sandbox - Space rover, Cars in sandbox - Construction) This is so cute- the characters react to the environment  outside (choose from a boy or girl). He or she will react with noises, facial expressions, and movements, depending on what the child places on the character!  For example, if it is snowing outside and the character is wearing a tank top and underwear, a thought bubble will indicate what is needed for the current weather (in this case, a winter hat).   Then the character will frown and mutter if you provide a different selection ( i.e. a baseball cap).  You must pick a hat, a pair of shoes, and the correct corresponding outfit.  The outfit itself is one unit- you cannot switch out tops and bottoms for that outfit- touch it and drag it to the character for the whole set to appear on him or her.  I actually prefer this, as I intend to use this with preschoolers who need this simplicity.  I also immediately started tapping things in the environment to see what they would do, but the other non- clothing items are not interactive. I think this is a good thing for my highly distractable preschoolers, and the fact that I noticed this says more about our expectations that digital media means everything must "do something".   I will get used to this quickly I am sure. The only caveat is the boys' shoes for summer and spring look interchangeable to me, but the character will complain of being too hot in the pair of lace up sneakers.  Once the character is dressed appropriately, tap the door to send the character outside- a short video scene will play of the child doing an activity- having a picnic in spring, playing in the snow in winter etc.  A fun way to reinforce early weather concepts!

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Review: Pic-See by Pic See Pty Ltd.

Pic-See ($29.99 at time of review, iPad only)


I love the included library of images- very clean and simple.  At first I thought the image library hadn't downloaded properly, as when I tapped on the Pic-See Library icon, there weren't any images.  As it turns out, this is where you can add your own images to the library.  The standard Pic-See images are accessible through the Choice Board icon.  Your custom images will show up there as a tab option as well.

In addition to the really clean interface, I like the nice subtle tones heard when selecting an image or button.
There are four main buttons in Pic-See: Pic-See Friends, Pic-See Library, Emotions Centre*, and Choice Board . 

*(Not a typo!) This app is written in Australian English, and there a few instances where the vocabulary in the library is different, but it is not drastic- Dressing gown (bathrobe), pack up (clean up), swimming costume, and a few instances of different spellings: moisturise, pyjamas .

Pic-See Friends :
Edit Profile,"See-quences", User Reports
This is where you access and edit different users' profiles. You can have two different users in this version of the app. If you need more users, there is a Multi User version of this app called Pic-See Collective.  This is also where you can create, edit and save "See-quences" to load for later use.  The "See-quences" are a series of images or steps that can be checked off one by one. A reward can be incorporated into the sequence as well.  In addition, you can review and send reports with usage patterns for each user!

Edit Profiles

To edit a profile, tap on the User's image from the Pic-See Friend's screen, then tap on the Edit profile button below the User's image.  From here, you can take a new photo, browse the iPad library to add an image, and fill out data for the User, including name, age, M/F, and email for reports.  You can also delete a user through the Delete this user button at the bottom of the screen.

Create and Edit a "See-quence"

To create a sequence, enter the Pic-See Friends screen and tap the user you want. A screen will pop up showing any existing "See-quences" saved for that user.  In the top right-hand corner, select the New See-quence icon.   You will be brought to a new screen with categories tabs for all the included images in the app, plus a tab for your custom photos as well.  Scroll through the images and simply hold and drag an image to an empty square below to create each step in the sequence.  If the Reinforcement button is turned to on, you must select a reward as the last square in the sequence.  That square will be marked with a star icon.    Tap the blue Edit button to the right of the sequence title to edit it. This will bring you back to the same interface that you use to create a sequence. You can change the images, or rename the title of the sequence, turn the reinforcement (reward) on/off. You can delete a sequence by tapping the red Delete button to the right of a sequence's title.



Load a "See-quence"

To load a sequence, select the User you want, then choose a sequence from the playlist by tapping the green Play icon to the left of each sequence's title.  A strip at the top of the screen will show each step in the sequence, and the first step will take up the bottom half of the screen. When the large icon indicating the current step is tapped, a star will be awarded and shown under each step of the sequence strip. The reward is displayed to the right of the screen.  When the last step in the sequence is completed, a short reward video plays, after which you can give the User the promised reward (an image of the reward does not remain on the screen- this would be useful as a visual reminder to the User.)






User Reports

This is a great feature! After selecting the Pic-See Friends icon, select the user you want, then select the "View Reports" tab under the User's image.  This will bring up a list of dates and what See-quences were completed, along with a time stamp for each sequence. You can send a report to your email for today, or reports for the last 7 days.


Pic-See Library:

Custom Images

Add custom pictures to the library:

Tap the Pic-See Library icon, then tap the Add Item button in the upper right-hand corner.
Wish List

Edit existing pictures in the library:

You can delete a custom picture by tapping the red Delete button to the right of the image title. It will take you to a new screen confirming whether you really want to delete the image or not. If you tap the blue Edit button to the right of the image's title, you can rename the image, take a new image through the iPad's camera or from your iPad's library, and record a new message. There is also a handy Flip image option directly under the image. If you tap the image itself it will open up the iPad's camera to take a new shot quickly- tap the cancel button to exit out of the camera and retain the original image.

Emotions Centre:
Emotions choice board/Emotions gauge 

The Emotions Centre has 6 emotions a child can select to show how they are feeling- Angry, Excited, Happy, Sad, Scared, Surprised.  There is also a button to select whether a boy or girl character will be used for the emotions images. What I really love about this is when the child selects an emotion, a new screen pops up which allows the child to assign a degree of emotion- for example if the child selects Angry, three images of varying degrees of angry will appear: Neutral, Angry, Very Angry.  Above the 3 images is a slider scale from 1 to 10.  The child can use the slider or tap a number to indicate exactly how angry he/she is.  This could be very useful for helping a child be aware of his feelings, and how to find ways to cope and calm down when at a 5, not a level 10 angry, for example.  I would love to have an option for Pain/Hurt included in the Emotions Centre. 

Choice Board
Create the Choice Board:

This is so easy! When you tap the Choice Board icon, it will automatically load whatever choice board you were using last.  To edit, tap the Edit board icon in the top right-hand corner.  There will be small blue tabs for all the categories of the included library images, as well as a tab for any custom images you have added to the app. Below is a number line with empty squares numbered 1 to 8.  Tap a tab to bring up all the choices in that category- you can use a swiping motion to scroll through them.  To add an image to a new choice board, just hold and drag the image you want to any empty number below. If you realized you forgot a step, you can rearrange the images in the order you want by holding them and dragging them to a new spot.

  

Use the Choice Board:

Tap the Choice Board icon from the main screen. The last Choice Board used will pop up on the screen.  The interface is a little different from what I've used in a choice board.  If you tap an image it will disappear and show an empty square.  I'm not sure if the goal is to choose the item that you tapped and that has disappeared, or if the goal is to tap and "hide" all of the images depicting choices you do not want, leaving the one choice you want remaining on the screen.  In my experience, typically one image is tapped, and that image then fills the screen for the User to view.

 

Wish List

* I had a chat with the developer recently and am happy to say that there is an update planned to address some of these wants, so stay tuned! *
I'd like to clear up confusion on how to use the Choice board in this app.  I also feel the amount of users for this app could be upped to at least three or four, to cover the needs of more families who have more than 2 children.  There is a Pic-See Collective version, which will allow up to 10 users, but at $189.99 it is much pricier and more suited to an educational setting.  I really like the ease of the use with this app, and it's clean interface, but I still think there is room for improvement when it comes to the editing process without sacrificing this. When adding a custom image, I would love to be able to crop an image from within the app, or pinch to zoom in or out to center the image the way I want.  There is a 12 character limit for the titles, which is not enough for titles like "Toca Boca Kitchen" for example. I would prefer the option to use a slightly smaller font and less margins in cases where a title is longer than 12 characters.  I would love to be able to edit the title of the built-in images  (this would be of great benefit to users of all different language backgrounds) or delete a few of the built-in images that I won't be needing (coffee, for example).  Lastly, I would love to sort my custom images among the categories provided for the included library of images- currently any custom images stay in their own tab, Custom.