computing

Neo 2: The No-Frills Portable Word Processor

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Some autistic writers find computers more distracting than useful, with the overwhelming number of options and apps available. Enter the Neo 2, a stripped-down portable word processor that cuts out all the bells and whistles. It allows you to focus on writing, without the formatting choices and programs that might get in the way (the plain text can be downloaded later to a proper computer for formatting). The Neo 2 is designed for portability, with a small sturdy body and long battery life. It’s also highly affordable (price valid at time of writing). Video review below is by Brave Luck Books.

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Google SketchUp and Autism

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Many autistic individuals are visual learners, who think and express themselves better in pictures than words (with the notable exception of people with NLD, for whom the opposite is usually true). Google has developed Project Spectrum as a way to give people with autism the opportunity to express their creativity and develop useful (potentially marketable) skills using Google SketchUp 3D modeling software. Drawing can be difficult for some autistics, who may find SketchUp a viable alternative to realise their potential as artists and designers. Learn more at http://sketchup.google.com/spectrum/

Organise Your Time with TeuxDeux

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TeuxDeux is a free online diary with a simple and intuitive design. Try it out. There’s also an iphone app to take on the road. Great for anyone (like me) who’s organizationally-challenged.

TeuxDeux features include:

  • – week overview
  • – check off, delete, or move tasks
  • – someday bucket
  • – jump to a date in the future
  • – automatic rollover of unchecked tasks
  • – edit existing tasks
  • – sync with mobile version (iPhone app)
  • – Multiple accounts (iPhone app only)

Zac Browser: A Web Browser for Autistic Children

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A programmer’s desire to help his autistic grandson led to this specialized browser for children with autistic spectrum disorders. The browser opens in full-screen mode, and displays a calming aquarium scene with icons for different domains such as Music or Games. Zac Browser has scored over 2.5 million downloads since 2008.

Over the past 3 years, Zac Browser has helped over 2.5 million children from around the world with autism by providing a free software solution filled with activities and videos. We are on the verge of making a huge leap by moving our technology to the next level. For that reason we are requesting help from the community. Please watch the video for more information or click the link below to access the supporter page.

zacbrowser.com/supporters-2012/

Orbitouch Keyless Keyboard

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Some autistics have difficulty using a standard computer keyboard, if they have problems with muscle coordination (particular where a series of quick and subtle actions are required, as in typing). Qwerty keyboards are not laid out in alphabetical order, which can frustrate autistics who like consistency. The Orbitouch keyboard is operated by simple movements of the arms, which some autistics (and users with carpal tunnel syndrome) find a less stressful way to type.