Category Archives: Special Needs

Learn to Tie Your Shoelace – Using Apps and Video Resources

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Tying shoe laces is one of those functional goals that a OT  (or teacher, parent) works on to increase independence of their student, child or client. Whether using standard laces, adaptive laces, velcro and or instructional methods we are always looking for interventions … Continue reading →

Posted in Activities of Daily Living, Android, App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Autism, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Occupational Therapy, Self Care, Special education, Special Needs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Game Apps for Individuals with Special Needs

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Looking for games, leisure activities or cause and effect activities apps for students with cognitive challenges using a iPad or iPod? Here is a combination of games, leisure, cause and effect apps that could be used for inclusion as well as a link to prior … Continue reading →

Posted in App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Cause and Effect apps, Game, Game Apps for Special Needs, iPad, iPod, Leisure apps, Occupational Therapy, Special Needs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

4th of July Fireworks Apps – (but don’t forget the ear muffs)!

Posted on July 4, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Whether celebrating the 4th of July in the US or planning for an outdoor fireworks show elsewhere, here are a few app that might entertain or forecast a firework event for individuals with special needs. Thanks to Digital Storytime for their review of … Continue reading →

Posted in Android, App Rubric, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Cause and Effect apps, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Occupational Therapy, Self-regulation, Sensory Apps, Sensory Apps for ASD, Social Skills, Special Needs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sturdy iPad 3 Cases – What’s New?

Posted on July 2, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

It’s not surprising that with iPad’s record sales that the choices of cases keep increasing. With the increasing numbers of cases I decided to check on what sturdy cases might withstand kid or student use of an iPad 3. A search for a current (May … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessories, iPad, iPad Management, Occupational Therapy, Special Needs | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Bo’s Jigsaw Puzzles

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Bo’s Jigsaw Puzzle is a new iPhone/iPad puzzle app currently free. Another puzzle app however it has no other in-app purchases and features 24 different puzzles. A choice of easy (four pieces), intermediate (9 pieces) and hard (12 pieces) levels are available … Continue reading →

Posted in App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Early Childhood, Elementary School, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Occupational Therapy, Pediatrics, Special Needs, Visual Perception | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Autism 5 Point Scale EPA Available Again in the App Store!!

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

The Autism 5 Point Scale EPA, developed by the Autism Society of Minnesota in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, is a handy, simple, free app that featuring a visual 5 point scale and strategies suited for student use.  It seemed to be missing … Continue reading →

Posted in App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Autism, Emotions, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Self-regulation, Special Needs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A List of Apps for Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorders by Jessica Chase, SLP

Posted on June 24, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

While researching social skills apps appropriate for individuals with autism, I stumbled upon an extensive app list entitled “A List of Apps for Social Skills and Autism Spectrum Disorders”  compiled by Jessica Chase, MA. CCC-SLP on her website Constantly Speaking. A List of Apps for … Continue reading →

Posted in App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, Autism, Emotions, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Life Skills, Occupational Therapy, Self-regulation, Sensory Apps, Social Skills, Special Needs, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

More Stylus Suggestions for Special Needs ….

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Responses from experienced readers provided some more great stylus suggestions: Cosmonaut Stylus Leann T. commented that she loves the Cosmonaut: Wide-Grip Stylus for Capacitive Touch Screens.  Here are images of the Cosmonaut:  Information from websites indicates the Cosmonaut is made to feel like … Continue reading →

Posted in Accessibility, Accessories, Early Childhood, Geriatrics, iPad, iPhone, iPod, iPod/iPad Accessory, Mobility Impairment, Occupational Therapy, Physical Disability Tool, Special Needs, Stylus | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Autism 5 – Point Scale EP App

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Autism 5 -Point Scale EP is a free app for iPhone and iPad developed by the Autism Society of Minnesota. Ms. Van Dixhorn, EBD teacher at the Sheboygan Falls Middle   this app with me as an app to help with the programming of a student … Continue reading →

Posted in Apps for Special Needs, School Based Interventions, Special education, Special Needs | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Sensory Apps

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Carol Leynse Harpold, MS, OTR/L, SCLV, ATP, CATIS

Are you familiar with the Autism Apps App –  a comprehensive list of apps used with and by people diagnosed with autism or other special needs? Autism Apps is a free app with over 30 categories of curated apps providing information … Continue reading →

Posted in App Reviews, Apps for OT's, Apps for Special Needs, iPad, iPhone, iPod, Occupational Therapy, Sensory Apps, Sensory Apps for ASD, Special education, Special Needs | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment