The idea of the application is the result of a long search for a communication tool to assist a non- verbal boy with autism, Andreas. The particular child is hyperactive and all the tools found by parents until now for persons with autism require typing and multiple choice of sentence construction. Using such tool requires considerable training that might be impossible in certain cases and counter effective time wise when a quick expression of a need such as asking for water or the way out. The latter, the possibility to quickly escape from a loud or distracting place, is a basic need for people with autism for the avoidance of a possible tantrum. Furthermore, the particular boy is of Ukrainian and Greek origin and most of the existing tools, even with the drawbacks mentioned above, are in English and other languages he does not use. The need arose to design an efficient, easily understandable, and fast application that would help him communicate.
The above limitations gave birth to an idea for a unique tool. It allows fast communication directly with the use of phrases. Once the message is passed without any delay or hesitation, responding to it becomes easier. Thus, communication conforms and becomes closer to our normal speedy way of communicating on a day to day basis. It was primarily customized for Andreas and successfully tested in Greek on Andreas. The generalized versions in two languages followed. The more tests and improvements made, the more opportunities were opening. The next intended steps are recordings in other languages. Due to the various specific needs of different people with autism professional versions have also been created.
The idea of the application is the result of a long search for a communication tool to assist a non- verbal boy with autism, Andreas. The particular child is hyperactive and all the tools found by parents until now for persons with autism require typing and multiple choice of sentence construction. Using such tool requires considerable training that might be impossible in certain cases and counter effective time wise when a quick expression of a need such as asking for water or the way out. The latter, the possibility to quickly escape from a loud or distracting place, is a basic need for people with autism for the avoidance of a possible tantrum. Furthermore, the particular boy is of Ukrainian and Greek origin and most of the existing tools, even with the drawbacks mentioned above, are in English and other languages he does not use. The need arose to design an efficient, easily understandable, and fast application that would help him communicate.
The above limitations gave birth to an idea for a unique tool. It allows fast communication directly with the use of phrases. Once the message is passed without any delay or hesitation, responding to it becomes easier. Thus, communication conforms and becomes closer to our normal speedy way of communicating on a day to day basis. It was primarily customized for Andreas and successfully tested in Greek on Andreas. The generalized versions in two languages followed. The more tests and improvements made, the more opportunities were opening. The next intended steps are recordings in other languages. Due to the various specific needs of different people with autism professional versions have also been created.
The basic version cannot be changed by users. It contains general pictures and most useful phrases structured according to topics like “Activity”, “Food”, ” Hygiene” ” My mood”. These phrases are requests that a non-verbal person or a person with language difficulties wants to communicate to others. It also contains “yes” or “no” answers to facilitate instant communication. As the specific tool was created for people with autism, the request to leave an uncomfortable place immediately has been introduced.
The last but not the least is the safety tool containing request, profile, address and useful numbers created for those who become lost. It is very important since we observe on a daily basis, cases of sick, mentally disabled people and even verbal adults with autism getting lost, sometimes for hours and even days due to shock or inability to ask for help verbally or correctly whilst in distress.
This version, as mentioned above will remain free for androids and on the lowest charge possible for apple users.
This version provides its users with a wide opportunity to modify the basic version in part or completely. The primary idea came from the knowledge of the nature of autism, ignored in most existing applications and surely in all tested and reviewed by us so far. Many people with autism are very likely to associate words only with people or objects already known to them. For example, if for the majority of us the word “cup” is associated with any cup of any make, colour, or shape, for some persons with autism “cup” might mean the one and only cup this person uses. In such case, the picture of this specific cup should be used in the application. Furthermore, the general mood face expression picture or picture of a place or a recorded voice or pronunciation might be confusing for people with autism. Now they have chance to have a customized version specifically made for them, just like it was done for the first child, Andreas, who tested this application. Any picture, category, and voice can be replaced. New categories can be added.
The other useful tool of the application is the ability to switch from one language to the other. After replacement of some categories this tool can be used by tourists with autism or tourists in general.
After relevant modifications including further language additions the pro version could help an employer communicate faster and more efficiently with international employees, who need time to learn the national language of the hosting country, but still have to work and understand the requests of their employer and be able to respond.
