History

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.

History

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.

Description

As mentioned above in the ‘History’ section, the application now exists for android and apple so far in 2 languages: Greek and English, with female and male voice options, and with professional versions.

The Basic version

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.

The Professional version

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.

How to use

The use of the Basic version is quite simple. It’s ready to use and completion of profile is optional. By clicking on a category the choices appear and all the user has to do is click a second time to choose the sentence he or she want to say out loud.

To speed up the process the emergency buttons like “I am lost” or ” I want to get out” and answers ” yes” and “no” have a one click access.

Clicking on the profile button will allow the completion of the profile. There is where the change of language button is found. People will be able to use requests currently in two and potentially up to five languages simultaneously in each downloaded application whilst the profile information will always remain intact.

The pro version is similarly simple to use. It does not really require deep professional knowledge to make changes, although it is called “Pro”. We kept it easy to enable changes without IT support.

Thus, by clicking on a plus button in the right hand upper side of the picture the option to add a picture, name and voice will appear. After the successful recording of all new required information it should be saved by clicking on the “save” button and the additions are ready for use in the chosen category.

By applying a long click (click and pause) on a category or picture the relevant options to change of erase will appear. The changes are saved by using the “save” button as previously described.

The profile information should be completed by starting with a click on the right side of the field which enlarges the relevant window on the screen. Once the profile information is complete it should be saved by clicking on the “save” button. In addition, a second contact may be added and saved in the same way by clicking on the “Add Family/Friend” button followed by entering the relevant information and clicking “save” at the end of the procedure.

Every application has a potential of five languages presented by pictures of flags of the countries down the profile picture once opened. Clicking on the flag allows instant change of language over the whole application whilst the information in the profile will always remain exactly the same.

History

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.

History

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.

History

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.