Software Games for Children with Autism PDD

Encourage your child's natural curiosity and desire to learn with software games for children with autism PDD.

What is Autism PDD?

Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD). Typically, the term autism is used to describe people who are limited in their ability to interact socially with others. Autistic children don't see the world the way other children do. According to the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, autism is a brain disorder that begins in early childhood and persists throughout adulthood; it affects three crucial areas of development: communication, social interaction, and creative or imaginative play.

Symptoms of Autism

The symptoms of autism can vary significantly from one child to another, making an initial diagnosis of autism difficult to diagnosis. Symptoms can also change over time, and other disorders may accompany the diagnosis of autism as well. Symptoms may include the following:

• Fixations (especially on inanimate objects)
• Impaired social interactions with others
• Impaired verbal skills
• Insensitivity to pain
• Being unable to communicate normally
• Intolerance toward change in routine
• Problems making or maintaining eye contact
• Repeating phrases and/or words
• Abrupt tantrums

Autism Disorders

Some autism disorders are actually given separate labels and are considered part of the autism spectrum. These include the following:

• Asperger's Syndrome-These children can often function in a traditional social or educational setting. While they exhibit many of the classic symptoms associated with autism, they do have to ability to communicate with others through traditional language.
• High-Functioning Autism-These children are also often able to function in normal, day to day settings; however, they may have some language problems.
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Not Otherwise Specified-Children who are diagnosed with PDD-NOS have autism but aren't considered high functioning.

Benefits of Software

The benefits of software games for children with autism PDD are many, but before you head to the store to stock up on these games, be sure you understand how your child can learn. Some games are simply just that…games, while others will actually help your child with many of her educational and social needs. Autistic children typically learn more easily through lessons that are simple and visual. Pictures and images should play an important role in helping a child retain information. Look for the following in software:

• Simple presentations
• Visual images
• Consistent patterns
• Easy to understand narration
• Narrated text related to everyday items, such as food, clothing, and animals.
• Clear themes
• Easy to understand concepts geared towards specific levels of learning
• High level questions to help children reach towards the next level
• Adjustable learning pace
• User friendly program
• Clear menus
• Accountability tracking for immediate feedback
• Accessible by touch window and touch screen along with keyboard and mouse support
• Use as instructor guided or individual student use

Examples Software Games for Children with Autism PDD

You can find software games for autistic children on the Internet and in educational supply stores. Ask your child's teacher for software title suggestions as well. The following software games for children with autism PDD are available online:

• Mouse Trial offers programs like ABA Math, Autism Language Therapies, ClickN' Read Phonics, Jabuguín Suite, and others.
• Slater Software has autism software, activities, and resources for children with autism, PDD, and Asperger's.
• Autism Treatment provides some great links to autism resources and software, including Autism Online, Autism Coach, Autism Academy, Autism Pro, and TeachTown.
• Soft Touch wants to give educators and parents choices that will help students learn. Their mission is to have the students enjoy the learning process and to have fun while they are learning.
• Adaptive Child is dedicated to developing better therapeutic solutions for special needs children who can't get what they need from mainstream therapeutic devices. The Adaptive Child focuses on educating parents and teachers in new developments in the early intervention field.

Remember that software designed for use with autistic children continues to be produced, so stay up to date by doing periodic searches for new software programs that your child might enjoy.