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Apps for Students with LD: Social Supports and Behavior

By Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton

Apps for Students - LD Social SupportChildren and teens with learning disabilities sometimes have a hard time with social skills and behavior, including reading or communicating nonverbal signals. The following mobile apps may provide your child or teen with some high-tech support. Although we did extensive research on available apps, we also learned that just because “there’s an app for that” it doesn't mean that it's right for everyone. My daughter likes these, but we suggest that you have your child or teen try them out for themselves.





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Name

Description

iearnedthat

iEarnedThat

Parents, create online puzzles of your child’s favorite things with iEarnedThat, then share the result to make your child feel proud and confident

hidden-curriculum-for-kids

Hidden Curriculum for Kids

What’s the etiquette for that? Hidden Curriculum explains potentially awkward social situations and the “unwritten social rules” that accompany them.

model-me-going-places

Model Me Going Places

Teach your child how to properly behave in public with the Model Me Going Places app.

next-thing

Next Thing

Next Thing is a task manager and scheduling aid that's comparable to a “digital sticky note.”

ispeak-spanish

iSpeak Spanish

This app is an easy-to-use translator and language-learning tool.

tap-to-talk

Tap to Talk

Tap to Talk helps non-verbal children speak by allowing them to type what they wish to say.

typo-hd

Verbally

Allow your children to type what they need to say using Verbally—similar to Tap to Talk.

Note: These apps were tested on Apple products like the iPhone and iPad in December 2012. New editions may change the nature of an app, making it more or less LD-friendly. “New” may not mean “better” for you. Also, our recommendations don’t include complimentary apps that require you to buy a full version of a program.


Darla Hatton and Kaila, her teenage daughter (who has dyslexia) have been active members of the larger LD community for years, including giving presentations at the Family Cafe's Annual Conference in Florida. They’re committed to sharing information and supporting the success of individuals with learning disabilities.



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