For over a week I've been meaning to share the link to the 60 Minutes segment that recently ran on CBS about communication utilizing iPads with children who live with Autism...but I've been distracted and sidetracked numerous times. However, since I'm a firm believer in late being better than never, here it is - I hope you enjoy it! You can watch the segment HERE or read the transcript HERE.
Additionally, I encourage you to check out this interview from February with Michelle Beck of Pumpkin Littles about the iPad Communication Therapy she and other therapists are using with children in their educational and therapy center in North Dallas. When I interviewed Michelle earlier this year and asked about including preverbal kids in social skills classes/groups, she had this to say, "While they may not speak or may have difficulty communicating, they have a lot to share and they want to be social. The Apple iPad, special software, pioneering therapists and this amazing class now gives those children a voice.

This guest piece is written by a man passionate about his vision. David Berkowitz lives in Las Vegas, is an honorably discharged veteran and spent the last 20 years in sales and marketing. David lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and is raising three kids also on the spectrum. Looking to improve the lives of individuals with autism through technology and the arts, David wants to share a bit about his vision with AutismSpot readers. Please help me welcome, David.
AUTISM ADVOCACY AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS ZONE
By David Joseph Berkowitz
As an individual with high functioning Asperger’s and the father of 3 kids who are also on the spectrum, I have always felt a need to give back to the world and community, to truly do something exceptional, and make a difference for the people with autism.

A new partnership between nonPareil Institute (nP) and InteractBooks is making it possible for students with Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism to help create and enhance illustrations for picture book manuscripts written by children’s authors to deliver state-of-the art picture books to the exploding digital marketplace. Books created with InteractBuilder are available via iPhone and iPad currently, but plans are underway to make books available via Android devices in the future.
The seed for the partnership grew from two strangers seated next to one another on a flight; one the parent of a student at nP – the other, Ezra Weinstein – CEO of InteractBooks. According to Gary Moore, President of nP, “It was a God-thing.”
Following the flight, when the founders of nP and InteractBooks put their heads together, Dan Selec, Founder and CEO of nP realized, “It is a relationship that really makes sense for both of us.” Richard Johnson, Vice President of Business Development at InteractBooks recalls his first visit to nonPareil with Weinstein, “We got such a good feeling to see what the kids are doing; finding ways to be productive in society.” With the new partnership, Johnson adds, “Students can leverage their gifts and abilities to help earn an income. It maximizes what they’re good at and helps them mature.”

Today was Day #1 of DART Rail Camp for me and Sam. Luke is attending a week long rock climbing camp and so it was a perfect opportunity for me and Sam to embark on a M-W-F adventure. To begin our journey we fueled up at Starbucks with beverages and good eats. It was incredibly hot this morning so we were pleased to only have waited a few minutes before boarding the train. Unlike our typical rail excursions, this is a week day and so the parking lot was packed. Sam was extremely excited to see so many other people were getting to enjoy the rail today as well.

I just read the article "Medicare Would Rather Buy $8000 Computer than $150 iPhone App" found over at GIZMODO.com and just about tossed my lunch across the room. The thoughts that are running through my mind are moving to fast to type. This type of archaic thinking, behavior, decision making, and communication is absurd.

Is art a science or is science an art? There are infinite answers to this question. To begin delving into such matters, I would prefer a Partagas 160 Cifuentes Especial in one hand and a fine spirit in the other. Toss in a little technology chatter and you have yourself a really good evening ahead.

We are often asked whether we are a private or non-profit organization. This is a great question because it allows us to give people a better understanding of what projectLD and AutismSpot is all about. First, let me say that there are many organizations that generate big money, pay CEO grade salaries and exhaust enormous resources all under the banner of non-profit. These groups put money into their cause only after the machine is oiled. This is across all non-profits...regardless of the cause or group. Non-profits make money and spend money just like any other company.