We Need Your Questions for Motorola Mobility and Autism Speaks

Earlier this week I was searching what is going on in the world of technology and how it relates to Autism.  Of course I regularly do this to see what’s going on in the Autism Community.

I was happy to see that Motorola has provided 45 pre-screened families with the new Motorola XOOM tablet in two major cities in partnership with Autism Speaks.  If you have a moment – take a look at this article – http://bit.ly/om7Jsu

Here’s a video that further shares what they are doing –

Things like this are encouraging and also comes in a timely fashion as my son was just prescribed a communication device to assist us for his challenges.  We’ve heard, after all, of tablet devices and apps being a huge benefit to enhance communication with those on the Autism Spectrum.

Upon seeing this generous partnership, I had to inquire as to what Autisable could do to help promote their efforts.

So I sent off an e-mail to Motorola, and that evening I received a response.

Included in the aspect of their response was the opportunity to interview Motorola Mobility Foundation and also one of the families that received the Motorola XOOM tablet.  I also received a list of Motorola Mobility’s top 10 apps for Autism, here’s the list:

1. ABC Flash Cards
   Learning the ABCs has never been so fun! This interactive app teaches reading, phonics, listening, speech and memory development, offering fun flashcards that help children connect sounds and letters with words. Touch the cards to flip them over and see a word matching the letter, and shuffle them with the dice button.
2. Puzzle for Kids 2
   Kids won’t even know they’re learning with this fun puzzle app. Sing along with kid-friendly songs and re-arrange jumbled boxes to create pictures featuring their favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse and Friends, Finding Nemo and more. With three levels of difficulty, Puzzle for Kids 2 is perfect for children ages 3-12.
3. Kids Doodle
   Kids Doodle allows children to express their artistic abilities with just the touch of a screen. They can draw with new colors, switch brushes, erase and get a clean canvas with only a tap.
4. Talking Tom Cat
   Meet your newest pet, Talking Tom Cat. He listens and repeats what you say in a silly voice, helping children develop their speech skills in a fun way sure to make them giggle. Pet him, pour him milk, tickle him or record a funny video to share on Facebook or YouTube, Tom is the perfect pet for children of all ages.
5. ABC 123 Handwriting
   Children will love practicing their reading and handwriting skills by tracing numbers, letters and shapes with this step-by-step app. Tap the speaker button to hear the name of the letter or number, choose an ink color by tapping the color palette, trace, then shake to erase and repeat.
6. iStoryBooks
   Children can learn to read along with every interactive audiobook. iStoryBooks features a variety of books for everyone to enjoy, including folk tales and fairy tales, educational books and Spanish language. New books are uploaded every two weeks and appear automatically within the app.
7. Angry Birds
   Children (and parents alike) can improve hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking and focus with this captivating app. With vibrant colors and exciting sounds, Angry Birds can entertain users of all ages for hours.
8. Kids Connect the Dots Lite
   Learn the alphabet and numbers by using this fun, Connect the Dots app. Kids can tap or draw to connect the dots to create fun pictures of animals.
9. xPiano
   Featuring two sample songs, 12 instruments, and a four-octave adjustable keyboard to fit fingers of all sizes, xPiano is sure to fuel your child’s interest in music and have them tickling the ivories like Beethoven in no time.
10. Math Practice Flash Cards
    This app puts the fun back in math — multiple choice, re-doing wrong answers and unlimited time is allowed here. Great for preschoolers through eighth graders, create customizable flashcard decks and choose what to practice and the level of difficulty

My only question relate to the long term plans that Motorola Mobility and Autism Speaks may have.  This is a pilot program for 6 months, but what are their plans for after the 6 months?

Next week I will be on a conference call with Motorola Mobility Foundation Spokesperson, along with one of the families that received the Motorola XOOM tablet in this pilot program with Autism Speaks.

So, I open the questioning to you – our Autisable members and readers:

What questions would you ask Motorola Mobility and/or this family about the Motorola XOOM tablet and this program?
Please leave your question below. You can be signed into facebook or twitter to leave a response as well.

Joel Manzer

Husband to an Amazing Wife, and Father of a Child with Autism. Founding Lead Editor of this site called Autisable. Click here to join Autisable!