Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/09/04/are-you-as-stupid-as-apple-thinks-you-are/
Feb 29 2012
We have all heard the saying, and apple a day keeps the doctor away. I’m here to say that an apple a day doesn’t really keep the doctor away. Don’t believe me, just ask Emmett.
Emmett is currently at the pediatricians office. He’s in the middle of a fever flare and is now actually sick as well.
He is just a miserable little kid right now. His mouth is completely filled with cold sores, and they look horrible.
We don’t normally run to the pediatricians office for a cold but in Emmett’s case, we aren’t sure what’s what. Does that make sense? We do know what is actual illness and what is just part of the fever flare.
Lizze is feeling well enough to take Emmett to the doctors but I will be taking Elliott to the psychiatrists this afternoon as Lizze will be completely spent.
We still have Dr. Pattie tonight before we can call it quits for today.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2012/02/29/an-apple-a-day-keeps-the-doctor-away/
Dec 01 2011
I have become kind of a voice for and even a sort of lesion between the Autism and Android communities. My goal is to help people realize just how much more potential Android devices have over the Apple line of products. Not only are Android devices more affordable, they are typically more powerful and allow for complete customization of the user experience.
In other words, if you want a device that can be customized to your child‘s unique needs, at a price starting at less than $200 and access to hundreds of thousands of apps, your only choice is Android. The fact is that more and more people are using Android based smartphone. What many people don’t seem to be aware of, is that their Android based smartphone can be used as an education and/or communication device for their Autistic child. I want to show you how 
As many of you are aware, I started a program called Android4Autism earlier in the year. My goal is to take gently used Android devices and fit them with a custom ROM, preintalled with awesome educational apps and some great kid friendly music and donate these devices to families in need.
The other purpose of Android4Autism is to help educate the public about Android and show them how and why it’s a fantastic platform for working with special needs children, more specifically those with Autism. What I want to begin doing is highlighting the hardware and software options that are available for Android. My goal is to work with hardware manufactures and software developers to help spread the word about Android and it’s potential within the special needs community.
Today I want to shine the spotlight on a company called Intellijoy. Intellijoy is the number one developer of educational software on the Android Market. They have tons of amazing apps, and I have had the pleasure of working with them on Android4Autism. My kids use their apps all the time and have benefited greatly from them. These apps help with hand/eye coordination, learning the alphabet, counting, reading, math, problem solving and also help to build self-esteem and confidence.
The video below is my youngest son, Emmett. Emmett is using his personal Android4Autism, which is the Galaxy S Epic 4G by Samsung. Emmett is playing Kids Preschool Puzzles by Intellijoy. Emmett was unable to speak and was considered pre-verbal. Working with Kids Preschool Puzzles and other apps just like this, helped him to develop his language skills and build self-confidence. As you will see in the short video clip, Emmett completes a puzzle and presented with positive feedback by the app and dances with joy at his ability to complete the puzzle.
As a parent, moments like this are absolutely priceless.
Here is actually a closer look at the Emmett’s Android4Autism device, the Galaxy S Epic 4G by Samsung. The video quality could be better but the camera I was using wasn’t very good, sorry.
Here is a list of the apps currently available on the Android Market by Intellijoy:
**Please note that there are also paid versions of the same apps that provide more content.
I want to make sure that you folks out there are aware of apps, like those from Intellijoy, are available for your Android device. In many case, as with the ones I have highlighted today, there are free versions that you can try out and see how your child likes them before committing to a purchase. Lost and Tired and Android4Autism fully endorse these apps. I have personally used these and so have my kids.
In fact, as I typing this, Elliott is using Kids Connect the Dots Xmas and having a great time will practicing his numbers.
I hope this is helpful for you because I know how challenging it can be to find things out there that can help your Autistic child learn and grow in their own unique way. I truly believe that Android based devices, in conjunction with great software like the apps I have highlighted in this post, can really help your Autistic child.
In all honesty, even your typical children can benefit greatly from all that Android and the Android Market have to offer. Please never hesitate to contact me with your Android related questions. I will do my very best to help you out.
If you would like your Android based app or Android based hardware to be reviewed and featured on this blog, please contact me for details.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2011/12/01/android-apps-for-your-autistic-child-12012011/
May 27 2011
This message has gone out to the Android community tonight. I thought I would share it here as well. I’m really excited about this project. I think this can have a very positive impact. Many people are unable to afford an iPad. My goal to to be able to provide needy families with something they can use to help their child with. Android is now, more popular then apple’s iOS. So more and more development will shift to the Android platform or at least port over.
Hey fellow Android users and Autism supporters. I have been quietly working on something for a little while now and decided I would officially announce it. I wanted to announce it here because of all the Autism support generated by this community. So I would like to introduce “Android 4 Autism“. What Android 4 Autism will be doing is taking used (donated) Android devices, preferably Epic or EVO (due to the larger screen) and turning them into communication and learning tools for Autistic children. I’m working on securing software donations as well for pre-installation purposes.
Once received, the devices will be wiped and stripped down. Once completed, these devices will be donated to special needs families who couldn’t otherwise afford this technology for their child.
The reason I’m announcing this now is because we are about to hit a device turn over with the release of the Nexus S 4G and the pending EVO 3D and Galaxy S 2 releases.. We are a community that lives on the bleeding edge. I’m asking that if and when you upgrade your phone that you consider Android 4 Autism when deciding what to do with your old device. Bad ESN’s don’t matter as WiFi/Bluetooth would be the only needed connections. PLEASE consider this if and when you decide to upgrade. I’ll have more information available when I go live. I just wanted to plant the bug in your ear. Your old phone could change someone’s life.
Thanks everyone….
Below is an example of what Autistic children can do and learn with these phones.
Permanent link to this article: http://lostandtired.com/2011/05/27/announcing-android-4-autism/
Rob Gorski is a husband and father of 3 boys on the Autism Spectrum. Gorski began his writing career in June of 2010 with his multiple award winning blog Lost and Tired: Confessions of an Autism Dad. Recently cited as the 3rd most influential Autism Blogger on the internet by Dr. Oz's Sharecare website, where he is an expert on Autism.
His mission is to create dialogue, spread Autism Awareness, educate the public on how technology can benefit a special needs family and do so in ways that society can relate to and understand.
Gorski advocates for special needs families and those on the Autism Spectrum, both young and old.
Find Me Here