Tech4Autism
Before I get into any of these reviews, I want to say a few things first. Typically, if I review a piece of technology, I focus on the specs and hardware. I’m a hardcore techy at heart and so I like to be on the bleeding edge of technology. I have experience developing on Android devices and I’m a recognized developer over at xda-developers. Having said that, while I’m a techy, I’m also a special needs father to 3 boys on the Autism Spectrum.
Being a special needs parent myself, I realize how very limited time and money can be. I also know just how much the right technology can help a child with Autism not only learn, but also communicate and navigate their world. My intention is to provide a unique approach to reviewing tech products that can benefit the special needs community. I will be providing information on how a particular device can benefit a child with Autism. My goal is to introduce families to the devices that they can afford and that can help their child, while at the same time helping the manufactures or companies behind this tech to reach a new consumer base. That consumer base being special needs families, like mine, that need more choices in devices and some that are actually affordable to more people.
I want the public to realize that despite past trends and insane levels of fanboyism, you don’t need to spend $500-$800+ on an iPad in order to help your child with Autism. There are better, more affordable options available in a multitude of designs, colors, sizes and price ranges. There are more and more educational apps hitting the Google Play Store everyday. I’m not suggesting that the iPad is a bad device or doesn’t work well. However, in my opinion, until Apple opens up it’s OS, allows for customization and reduces the cost of entry level devices, android based devices will continue to be the best and most cost effective solution for tablet based tech. Of course, this is just my opinion, however, this opinion is shared by many hardcore tech and development sites.
I want you to know that you have a choice when it comes to the tech you need to help your child with Autism. When you realize you have a choice, you can find a device that not only fits your budget but also is better suited for you child’s particular needs. I aim to provide you with information that will help you to make these decisions.
With that said, I hope you find this useful.
If you are a manufacturer and would like to have your tech reviewed by Lost and Tired please contact me and I would be happy to speak with you about it.
Hope you get some bites! Some Android devices would be great, but I imagine there's a lot of educational tech and mobile-oriented devices that would fit in well.
I'm already working with Samsung. That's a good start. I have my first review for them being released in the next day or so. I'm hoping that these companies will see the benefit to working with the ever growing special needs community. I hope to be able to give stuff away to families that need it as well. A little good will goes a long way.
Nice to hear from you. How's everything on your end going?
All good here. If a megacorp like Samsung can see the benefit, I'm sure others will as well.