Autism is an unfortunate, developmental disability that appears in childhood. Greatly hampering the mental growth of a child, it is often undetected at birth as is characterised by problems with communication, social responsiveness and routine/repetitive behaviour. While IT has made rapid strides in other spheres, sadly not enough seems to have been done in this field. Let’s take a look at some good software programmes that can be downloaded free of cost by parents and teachers to engage and involve these children with special needs.
Get set to browse
Given the ubiquity of the Internet, perhaps one of the most compelling and flexible teaching tools to deploy for children is the web browser. Unlike other regular run-of-the-mill browsers, the Zac Browser (www.zacbrowser [1]. com) has been developed specifically for children with types of autism disorders. Thus, it offers an entirely different online environment. Instead of forcing children to read and learn through text-based fine print, Zac uses games, videos and diverse simple activities that makes them play, sing and discover things onscreen, thereby sparking interest and holding the attention of wandering minds. All sections do not work as promised so be prepared for some disappointment in places.
Sebran ABC (www.wartoft.nu/ [2] software/sebran) is a learning programme that encompasses 12 games and tutorials that tackle a variety of subjects. These include elementary stuff like learning the alphabet to basic typing, spelling and maths. The friendly, uncluttered approach helps the child learn through onscreen games like word memory, pick a picture, and hangman. You have music playing in the background by default with an option to disable it. Large, attractively coloured icons and responsive screens not only make the programme fun-filled but also a delight to use. Unlike Zac, Sebran offers no visual distractions on the screen.
Smart teaching programmes
You can also take a more free form and less structured approach teaching via a simplistic paint programme like Tux Paint (http://www.tuxpaint.org [3]). This drawing and colouring application is meant for preschool going kids. The popular free download is available for all flavours of Windows as well as Mac OS X and Linux. Apart from teaching a child hand-eye movement coordination, basic shapes and the names of colours, Tux Paint has a very uncomplicated interface with large, easy to comprehend icons. Clicking on these reveals further context sensitive icons. So there is no reading or wading through hidden, drop-down menus involved at all. Save, print and multiple undo options are all included.
There are a few more free programmes that teachers and parents of children with special needs can put to good use. These applications range on subjects like basic maths and science to using computers, communications and art. You will find them at www.senteacher.org/files.php [4]
The writer is a part-time publishing
consultant and a full-time devotee of all things tech. He can be contacted at ashishone@gmail.com [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.zacbrowser
[2] http://www.wartoft.nu/
[3] http://www.tuxpaint.org
[4] http://www.senteacher.org/files.php
[5] mailto:ashishone@gmail.com