The Social Web The Social Web for Caregivers of for Caregivers of 

AutismAutismA review of Autism-specific applications

Presenter BackgroundPresenter Background

Chip NashVice President, Product PartnershipsAudax Health, Creators of Zensey (formerly Careverge)Chip.nash@audaxhealth.com

Consumer health and wellness platformCombines social and gaming mechanics with resources and tools

PurposePurpose• Discuss high-level trends in social media and

technologyo Evolution from the Static to the Social Web

• Share autism-specific applications I found interesting

• Show you places where you can find applications

Goal:• Show how technology can help your personal

situation, and help you on a path to finding the things that can help

DisclaimerDisclaimer• I do not work with or for:• I have no financial incentive or relationship:• I am not a qualified spokesperson representing:• Any organization or product I’m about to discuss.

• I find technology interesting• I have experience looking at ASD-specific

applications• And I thought you might also find this interesting

Evolution of the WebEvolution of the Web• Web 1.0 – Static

o Pages to read - Things to buyo “Read only” – no exchange of information from content consumer to

producer

• Web 2.0 – Socialo People creating and sharing content, experienceso Blogs, Social Networking, Wikipedia, YouTube, etc.

• Web 3.0 – Semantico Closing the gap between people and computer interactionso Personalized recommendations – think evolution of Amazon

The Rate of GrowthThe Rate of Growth• Technology does not evolve linearly• Example is the Apple App Store:• iPhone was released June 29, 2007• The App Store opened a year later

Why Should You Care?Why Should You Care?• Because technology evolves to address frustrations

o “When enough people say, I wish I had something that…”o ….somebody builds it

• And they’ve been building things for you

• Tremendous value for caregivers of ASDo iPad – simple, visual, touch screeno Apps – designed specifically for people across the Spectrumo Social – sites specifically for ASD caregivers

Look in My EyesLook in My Eyes• App/Game to improve eye contact and

social skills

• Recommended for children 4-9

• Shows faces with numbers in the eyes for a limited period of time

• Then a keypad appears and the child enters the number

• If successful they win dollars used to buy virtual toys for a variety of environments

Find in iTunes: Look In My Eyes

The Social ExpressThe Social Express• App/Game to improve social skills

• Help characters solve social problems

• Features Visual Cues, Pacing Control, and Lesson Options

• Playable on any computer with Internet Connection, including iPad

• Expensive typically $90 but its discounted to $29.99 through April 30th

http://thesocialexpress.com/

The Social ExpressThe Social Express

The Zones of RegulationThe Zones of Regulation• App/Game to improve mood control, alertness, problem solving,

self-control

• Concepts originated from a book, The Zones of Regulation by Leah Kuypers

• Four zones of feelings:

Red Zone: extremely heightened states of alertness and intense emotionAnger, Rage, Explosive Behavior, Devastation, or Terror

Yellow Zone: also used to describe a heightened state of alertness and elevated emotions; however, one has some control Stress, Frustration, Anxiety, Excitement, Silliness, the Wiggles, or Nervousness

Green Zone: calm state of alertnessHappy, Focused, Content, Ready to learn

Blue Zone: low states of alertnessSad, Tired, Sick, or Bored

http://www.zonesofregulation.com/ (book)iTunes: The Zones of Regulation

The Zones of RegulationThe Zones of Regulation

• Visual environment for a child to express themselves and explore• Parent customizes the “Squagpad” for the child, so they are

surrounded by their favorite things when they arrive• Can leave/exchange messages with parents and family• Watch videos, browse photos, write in journal• The scrapbook captures what they do in their Squagpad

Why I like Squag:1. Secure2. Intelligent Design3. Free for Parents/Child

www.squag.com

• Social networking site for caregivers of autism• Better social outlet than Facebook• Simple but with great features

o Find Parentso Provider Directoryo Q+Ao Pinboard

www.myautismteam.com

Autism Speaks: Apps Autism Speaks: Apps http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps