Empowering Autistic Children with Motorola XOOM
Motorola Foundation and Autism Speaks help empower children with autism
Motorola Mobility, with the Motorola Foundation and Autism Speaks (the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the U.S.), have partnered to help empower children with autism -- and their families -- through the use of tablet technology.
Through this partnership, Motorola Mobility provided 45 families with autistic children in the Chicago and San Diego areas with Motorola XOOM tablets. The families participating in the program are integrating Motorola XOOM into their everyday lives, helping their children build communication skills, improve confidence, and increase sociability while addressing some of the day-to-day challenges the families face. The goal of this program is to demonstrate how tablet technology can improve the overall quality of life for families with autistic children.
Motorola XOOM is easy to use for autistic children because the lack of a separate keyboard and mouse eliminates distracting peripherals for the child, and the touchscreen interface is highly intuitive. Families are using their Motorola XOOM to support just-in-time activity cueing, task-sequencing, communication assistance, and behavioral coaching.
According to a Motorola Foundation survey, families are already experiencing a light world of difference after just a few short weeks with their Motorola XOOM. Some of their favorite applications include communication apps (Whiteboard, ABC/123’s Handwriting, Tap-to-Talk); brain & puzzle apps (Flash Cards, Connect the Dots, Memory); game apps (Ant Smasher, Angry Birds, Color Book); and health apps (Potty Training, How to Brush your Teeth). The survey also pointed out that many of these children are navigating Motorola XOOM by themselves, or with minimal help. Participating families have shared these comments about their experience with the Motorola XOOM:
“Our son has demonstrated excitement and we are hoping this will motivate him to write more once he uses the writing app.”
“The amount of information available makes it fun for the whole family to interact. Whether we sit and read together, or play a game together, seeing him learn and retain attention has been a highlight of the program so far.”
“We couldn't afford something like this and I thought of applying through our insurance for some sort of communication system or device. Motorola XOOM will help his future so much more.”
“This helps him with his independence, we've taught him it is his device and he is proud of it. The screen size of Motorola XOOM is essential- it is similar to a standard piece of paper, so he can practice his handwriting skills accurately, and the video modeling is much more engaging.”
“From a social perspective he is able to stay on topic and initiate conversation. These are both areas that he struggles with.”
The long-term goal of the program is to measure and analyze how Motorola XOOM has assisted in the developmental progress of the children, and work with researchers and application developers to make even more resources available to families with autistic children.
Motorola Mobility, with the Motorola Foundation and Autism Speaks (the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the U.S.), have partnered to help empower children with autism -- and their families -- through the use of tablet technology.
Through this partnership, Motorola Mobility provided 45 families with autistic children in the Chicago and San Diego areas with Motorola XOOM tablets. The families participating in the program are integrating Motorola XOOM into their everyday lives, helping their children build communication skills, improve confidence, and increase sociability while addressing some of the day-to-day challenges the families face. The goal of this program is to demonstrate how tablet technology can improve the overall quality of life for families with autistic children.
Motorola XOOM is easy to use for autistic children because the lack of a separate keyboard and mouse eliminates distracting peripherals for the child, and the touchscreen interface is highly intuitive. Families are using their Motorola XOOM to support just-in-time activity cueing, task-sequencing, communication assistance, and behavioral coaching.
According to a Motorola Foundation survey, families are already experiencing a light world of difference after just a few short weeks with their Motorola XOOM. Some of their favorite applications include communication apps (Whiteboard, ABC/123’s Handwriting, Tap-to-Talk); brain & puzzle apps (Flash Cards, Connect the Dots, Memory); game apps (Ant Smasher, Angry Birds, Color Book); and health apps (Potty Training, How to Brush your Teeth). The survey also pointed out that many of these children are navigating Motorola XOOM by themselves, or with minimal help. Participating families have shared these comments about their experience with the Motorola XOOM:
“Our son has demonstrated excitement and we are hoping this will motivate him to write more once he uses the writing app.”
“The amount of information available makes it fun for the whole family to interact. Whether we sit and read together, or play a game together, seeing him learn and retain attention has been a highlight of the program so far.”
“We couldn't afford something like this and I thought of applying through our insurance for some sort of communication system or device. Motorola XOOM will help his future so much more.”
“This helps him with his independence, we've taught him it is his device and he is proud of it. The screen size of Motorola XOOM is essential- it is similar to a standard piece of paper, so he can practice his handwriting skills accurately, and the video modeling is much more engaging.”
“From a social perspective he is able to stay on topic and initiate conversation. These are both areas that he struggles with.”
The long-term goal of the program is to measure and analyze how Motorola XOOM has assisted in the developmental progress of the children, and work with researchers and application developers to make even more resources available to families with autistic children.
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