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Preview: Apps for Autism

July 12, 2012 8:00 AM

Autistic people whose condition prevents them from speaking are making breakthroughs with the help of tablet computers and special applications that allow them to communicate. Lesley Stahl reports on Sunday, July 15 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

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by onyxwoman July 15, 2012 8:21 PM EDT
How ironic, long before an iPad, my 2 1/2 year old son would sit in front of his Apple computer and write words that I didn't even know he knew. I don't think it is the iPAD that is doing the help...it is technology in general. My son's first encounter was way back in the late 80's.

That computer let us know that he knew far more than we thought, he just wasn't able to tell us. A few months later he was diagnosed as being developmentally delayed prior to having the final diagnosis of Autism. Had we learned that he was autistic prior ; I don't think we would have thought the he could actually use a computer.

He typed big words, as well as logos in the newspapers and call letters for different networks. Now that he is 26, he is obsessed with his laptop and his iPAD. The best part...he speaks clearly enough to communicate effectively. What is interesting is that these professionals appear to be just getting the relationship between technology and helping autistic children communicate.
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by rvincen July 14, 2012 5:17 PM EDT
I am on the Advisory Board of a new company in Bowling Green, Ohio, named Agile Disability Solutions, LLC, which has a system for remote coaching of autistic children and adults that I find amazing. Their founder, president, and CEO is Dr. Robert Williamson, who has children of his own that are autistic. I am on this board because I found Dr. Williamson's story and capabilities compelling when he an a very competent computer science professor, both professors at Bowling Green State University, came before the BGSU Patent Committee, of which I was a member. Bowling Green State University has helped this company get started by licensing them the patents that the university has applied for that the two of them invented. I strongly recommend that CBS give them a visit to their office at 165 N. Main Street, Suite 1, Bowling Green, OH 43402, email: robert@agileassyst.com, web site: www.agileassyst.com , Office phone: (901) 308-3458 . I can almost guarantee that you will come away with a great story for 60 Minutes, which I record and watch every week.
Your Friend, Dr. Robert K. Vincent, Prof. Emeritus, Dept. of Geology, BGSU
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by girlzRvets2 July 13, 2012 10:58 AM EDT
When i was homeless (multi-disabled) the mac computer was most secure and had a long battery life. It helped me get access to things i needed and other wise could not and to find safe though not accessible housing. I was acually able to help many others find resources they needed too despite homelessness and disability for me. It's old now , I need a new one but on SSI that's not going to happen. But it limps along thanks to the wonderful people at the Apple store . I would have lost housing over more discrimination issues recently again and not found certain medical care and other resources or been able to communicate with most people if not for the MAC and macmail. For people with Pain and PTSD and other anxiety disorders and limited income for transport , its a better resource than the long distance phone service and connects otherwise mostly isolated people. Every new veteran should be released with a basic tablet or if (certain) physically disabled a laptop. Communication and supports and mac mail have helped me and many get help instead of being added to the terrible 18 a day statistics, too. It keeps records of interactions so i can better fight for services and helps locally and keeps me in touch with my therapist and docs at the VA and other support people, free for the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks then and pre paid at the first of the month internet services helps get the many (never ending) social service issues resolved even when i don't have the gas money to drive out there. A computer is far more important than a TV for ALL people with disability. Apples are the best and they have wonderful customer service too. Ps: Every morning i can get on facebook and wish one of my many fb friends a happy birthday with a card. It's a nice way to start the day.
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