Appy Friday ~ Autism Language Learning

At ASHA this past fall, I met the folks from the Autism Language Learning app at their booth in the exhibit hall.  I had not heard of the app, although they have had it out for a while so I spent some time talking with them and checking it out.  They were kind enough to invite me to check out the updated version of both apps (Autism Language Learning Series : Actions and Series 2: Yes/No Questions) Here's more...

Series I: Actions was designed to target actions and pronouns using video.  It is designed in a hierarchy as shown below.  You can also target simple wh questions, possessive pronouns, and past tense verbs (after the video has played) through this app.  This app includes 60 actions, 90+ short video clips, data collection, customizable settings, recording option, and limited background noise.  You can also purchase the ability to add your own videos.

When you begin the app, you start here.  The side navigation is always available to you to quickly switch activities - great for groups or for changes during therapy.

 

The great thing about this app is that it uses videos!  I don't know about you but some of my kiddos just don't get it unless they see it in action.  Well, we can't swim at school but I can show them a video of swimming.  The first section is Verb+ing so it will show "playing" (as pictured above) and the narrator will say it and the video will play for about 5 seconds.

This shows the same video with data tracking activated.  You can data track for one student at a time.

Singular pronoun (he + is + ing) starts with this screen to teach that when we talk about a male, we say "he".  Then it shows a similar verb video with the narrator saying "he is ____ing".

Singular pronoun (she + is + ing) starts with this screen to teach that when we talk about a female, we say "he".  Then it shows a similar verb video with the narrator saying "she is ____ing".

Plural pronoun (they + are + ing) starts with this screen to teach that when we talk about a group, we say "they".  Then it shows a similar verb video with the narrator saying "they are ____ing".

A great portion of this app is the mixed pronoun.  I have used this for my students after we have done each module individually.  It's great to get data after teaching or as a pre-teaching activity.

 

In the Data Tracking area of the app, you can access student data!  I don't think there is a limit to number of student data you can host there in the full version of the app.

The Series II: Yes/No Questions app has 43 short video clips and 13 still photos to help students learn to answer yes/no questions.  It also offers data collection, 3 modules, visual depiction of yes/no, and visual & auditory reinforcement after each question.

The ALL Series II: Yes/No Questions begins here.

 The common objects module utilizes common objects as a beginning step in instruction.

 Actions utilizes video to target yes/no questions further. 

Common facts is more difficult and abstract - perfect for more advanced students and reasoning.

Overall, both apps are very nice and practical for therapy with students with Autism as well as students who learn better from videos than from still photos.  Here is my quick pros/improvements list:

Pros:

• The videos are great for instruction and easier to understand for actions than a photo would be.
• I like how each module is broken down and placed in a hierarchy of skill difficulty.
• In-app data tracking is helpful for individual student data.
• The videos are relatively short.
• Free demo version of  Series I and Series II of this app are available - great to check it out before purchasing.  I LOVE when companies do this!  No blind purchasing!

Improvements:

• I would like to be able to keep data for groups.
• The videos can be a TINY bit long... I know, I'm getting picky here.  But 3ish seconds is about all you really need.
• The price for the app is a little bit high for Series I.  If they could bring it under $20, I think it would be more practical for SLPs.

Overall a great, thorough, and useful app!  
Series I is currently available for only $26.99:

Series II is currently available for only $15.99:

Disclosure: Autism Language Learning provided a copy of this app for review.  No other compensation was provided and all opinions are that of the author.