Advantages of Apps for Autism.....
I received a text message last night from a beautiful friend whom I have known since I was 13 years old. It was about a 60 minute interview regarding Apps and Autism. She lives in Melbourne, has two beautiful children of her own and has ALWAYS been a huge supporter of everything I do. At first I thought, "Oh Good Lord..... ANOTHER one!" but was pleasently surprised by the content covered. Secondly, my eldest pride and joy sat and watched the program with me. He has never really done too much of this before. Being "overly-sensistive" I do try to shield him from harsh realities of Autism. He lives it everyday so there is no real need to watch it on television too.
The main points and the effectiveness of Apps and Ipads when used with children who have Autism or other disabilities, was well covered. I was also please to see the results of studies performed in Canada. A few years ago when I first looked at the Apps with my youngest, there was no real concrete data to suggest that these Apps would be of any benefit. So it was real trial and error. I guess I just followed my instincts as a mum and teacher.
I was however totally intrigued by the latest medical breakthroughs involving scans of the brain. The 60 minutes team, interviewed scientists and medical staff at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who showed images of a neuro typically developing brain and compared them with an Autistic brain. It was incredible. Researchers have been trying to discover why some people with Autism cannot speak, while other can. A topic close to home, you may say. When specialists explain to you that your child has "faulty wiring" of the neuro sensors in his brain.... you try your best to visualise it. I used to think of an electical switchboard all mixed up. These scans with their highlighted colours and images really show the inside of the working of the brain clearly and the sensors or wiring. Latest research is narrowing in on the area of the brain that connects an image one see to actually saying or speaking the word, and what connection happens or doesn't happen for an Autistic person. There was even a suggestion of the possibility of identifying and repairing the parts of the brain effected in the future. It reminded me so much of the RDI (Relationships Early Intervention Program) I had started with my son a few years ago. The idea of repairing and retraining the brain.
I have included the link for anyone interested in viewing the 60 minutes link.... it was definately worth a look.
The Autism effected brain is on the left.......
Another quick note is regarding a fantastic new App on Meditation. The App is called ...
Smiling Mind, and has been developed to help young people learn and practicse Meditation skills. Following highly regarded institutions such as UCLA, Harvard, Oxford, Monash and Melbourne Universities in Australia have conducted clinical studies into the positive impacts of Mindfulness Meditation. Results prove that regular practice helps combat stress, improves focus and increases resilience, so Smiling Mind has been created to take these positive effects to the masses.
Emotional resilience and anxiety/depression are huge problems not only with Australian youth but throughout the world. I have it on my son's Apple devices and as well on my Iphone. Fantastic Innovation to teach young people skills like; how to relax through medication, how to listen to their body and take appropriate action. Much more positive than prescribing anti-depressants and other anti-anxiety medications.
Let me know what you think too!
