Spectrum Idea Lab Inc. Launches New Autism Discovery Tool iOS App

Ottawa, Canada, November 10, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​​​​​​​​​Spectrum Idea Lab Inc., an Ottawa-based company that retools learning through innovation and technology, is excited to announce the launch of their Autism Discovery Tool: Sensory from Within app. This mobile app aims to improve sensory environments for people on the autism spectrum by empowering people in home, school, and community settings to better understand and communicate about the autism spectrum.

More than 3.5 million Americans are on the autism spectrum. Today, the prevalence rate accounts for one in 68 births, according to the Autism Society. Autism spectrum disorder is defined as a group of complex differences in brain development. These differences are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties with social interaction, sensory, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. Research indicates over 90 percent of children with autism display atypical sensory behaviors.

After two years of research and development, Spectrum Idea Lab Inc.'s Autism Discovery Tool app aims to improve sensory environments in communities and help people to better understand and communicate about the needs of individuals on the autism spectrum. Making use of the feature-rich iPad, this exploratory, play-based app immerses users into sensory experiences that raise awareness of how others may interpret their environment differently.

The app is broken down into the seven senses, which include vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell, balance, and body position. Each sense uses common scenarios, such as sitting in a classroom, playing mini-putt, making a smoothie, or playing in a park, to demonstrate some of the sensory diversity found on the spectrum, including both strengths and challenges. Additionally, hidden tools can be discovered in each of the scenarios, providing useful sensory strategies that can be applied in the real world.

With its open-ended, low-barrier learning environment, this app enables a wide range of ages, abilities, and communication styles to better understand the spectrum and gain the tools, strategies, and understanding that are necessary in the development of better environments for those on the autism spectrum. 

“Every person has unique sensory likes, dislikes, and interests, and in a world that is not always sensory-friendly, understanding the impact of the senses on daily life for many autistic individuals can be challenging,” says Janie Pearson, Content Director at Spectrum Idea Lab Inc. “The Autism Discovery Tool is valuable in the home, helping individuals with autism and their families learn greater self-awareness, strategies, and better communication about their own sensory needs. Extended family members, friends, classmates, and those that work or interact with autistic individuals on a regular basis, such as librarians, school staff, and store employees, can all use this app to learn how to better manage sensory environments.” 

Spectrum Idea Lab Inc. has creatively embedded layers of knowledge, including many voices of autism, into a powerful learning tool essential in every home, school, and community setting touched with autism. The Autism Discovery Tool is available for the iPad at $9.99 U.S. Visit the website spectrumidealab.com for more information.

ABOUT SPECTRUM IDEA LAB INC. & AUTISM DISCOVERY TOOL 

Spectrum Idea Lab Inc. is an Ottawa-based company that retools learning through innovation and technology. The company is launching their Autism Discovery Tool: Sensory from Within app. This mobile app aims to improve sensory environments for people on the autism spectrum by empowering people in home, school, and community settings to better understand and communicate about the autism spectrum. Available for the iPad at $9.99 U.S. For more information, visit spectrumidealab.com. ​​

Sources

Autism Society Facts & Stats

Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders