Tomorrow night, September 20th, at 6:30 I’m teaming up with Learning Rx of Cary to present on “What’s New with Helping Children with AD/HD?” It’s AD/HD awareness month and we’re going to present to parents and teachers and give some new insights into this common disorder. [It’s not too late to RSVP – send an email to info@wynnsfamilypsychology.com or call (919) 805-0182 to make your reservation).
Part of the talk will be on using technology to help with these disorders. We are fortunate enough to live in an era where we have access to gadgets and gizmos and “apps” that help with disorders like AD/HD and Autism. Here’s a sample of what we’ll discuss tomorrow night: [Note I haven’t personally tried any of these, so these descriptions are based on reviews on these products. Many of these are geared towards the I-phone but can be found on some of the other “smart phones.”)
- One of the simplest apps is the clock. You can set timers and alarms to help you remember to do things. Those with ADHD tend to not have the best sense of time and forget to do certain things. With this app, as long as you put it in the phone, you will never forget anything again. Along with that there is also a voice recorder in which to record voice memos. Best part is these apps come with many phones, so you don’t have to pay extra.
- For parents there is an ADHD ToolBox app that costs $1.99. It provides tools and techniques for parents to use with children who have ADHD. Suggestions from eye contact, to use of visual aids are some of the ideas in the tool box.
- Coping with ADHD is another great app that can be useful for adults, children, teachers, and those who know someone with ADHD. It was actually a book that was turned into an app and costs $0.99. Topics include medications, causes, and how families cope with ADHD.
- BrainWave Sharp Mind, which costs $1.99, is designed to improve brain functioning. This app aims to improve focus and concentration as well.
- If you are looking for a natural alternative for treating ADHD, Health Remedy may help. This app provides natural remedies for many ailments and disorders, not just ADHD. This app costs $1.99. It will provide suggestions for natural remedies and what they are designed to do.
- Since many people with ADHD are disorganized, the Notes app that comes preinstalled on the iphone, may help. It is like having a pencil and paper with you at all times.
- There are so many great apps available for those with ADHD. If you are someone with ADHD and would like to find apps that could help manage the disorder, check some of these out. Also, go into the app store on the iphone and search for something that interests you. If you find something of interest, you will be more likely to concentrate and focus. There are many great games and puzzles that are guaranteed to keep your attention.
For Autism, there are:
- Model Me Going Places app (FREE): Model Me Going Places™ is a great visual teaching tool for helping your child learn to navigate challenging locations in the community. Each location contains a photo slide show of children modeling appropriate behavior.
- Read this article with great reviews of dozens of apps for autism: http://autismepicenter.net/blog/blog2.php/2010/06/01/autism-apps-that-will-help-you
