In an article, Just RELAX!? Using Technology for Self Regulation for Students with Autism (Lewis Stokes, 2014), autism consultant, Susan Lewis Stokes shares technology for self-regulation for students with autism. Self-regulation of emotions is defined as the ability to calm yourself down when you’re upset and cheer yourself up when you’re down (Stosny, 2011). Here are a few apps and resources shared by Susan Lewis Stokes in her article and as curated by OT’s with Apps in the past. Apps reviewed are suited to primary aged children and are only a few of the many apps available:
My First Yoga -Animal Poses for Kids (free) for iPhone / iPad provides a series of animal yoga poses for children to improve focus, balance and concentration.
(retrieved on 4/14/2014 from http://kidsrelaxation.com/uncategorized/deep-sensory-yoga-calm-student/ )
The Adventures of Super Stretch (free) for iPhone/iPad. Super Stretch is an educational yoga tool to use and teach the fun of physical activity and breathing to children. This app uses the skills of self-awareness, self-esteem and self-regulation to teach lifetime skills.
Breath, Think, Do with Sesame Street (free) for iPhone/iPad, created by Sesame Street, provides breathing and problem solving practice for children ages 2-5 years of age. Models deep breathing using a friendly monster.
Calm Counter app (2.99) for iPhone/iPad is visual and audio tool to help people calm down when they are angry or anxious. The app includes a social story about anger, and audio/visual tools for calming down. Developed by Touch Autism.
Other technology resources for self regulation for preschool and primary aged students:
MeMoves – Provides guided, visual models of patterned, bilateral movement with music suited to all ages and skills to calm, focus or be joyful. Available as a complimenting app (9.99), but most effectively displayed with the DVD. Students I have used it with or as implemented in the classroom have enjoyed MeMoves and provided a calming, centering experience during their day.
Yoga for Children with Special Needs
What technology have you found useful to help support self-regulation?
Carol
References:
Lewis Stokes, Susan K. “Just Relax!? Using Technology for Self Regulation for Students with Autism.” Connecting Wisconsin Spring 2014, Volume 24 ed., Issue 2 sec.: 4-5. Print.
Stosny, Steven. “Self-Regulation.” Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Psychology Today, 28 Oct. 2011. Web. 16 Apr. 2014.
OT's with Apps & Technology 