Autism Resources

There is a ton of information out there about the subject of autism. Much of it is misleading and often irrelevant for individuals. Most parents have told me that although they might have found helpful sites they just aren't sure what to try for their own child or what to believe as appropriate therapy for their specific needs. They just don't have time or the background to know how to properly synthesize the overwhelming accumulation of information available.

This wikizine is dedicated to providing professionally and clinically informed information in a format that will help the reader to synthesize the information. In addition, alternative courses of treatment that hold merit will also be available as they are carefully researched and scrutinized as viable alternatives.

It is the goal of this wikizine to help the reader take the impact of autism in smaller steps and stages. The ultimate intent is that it will help lead others to a plan of action and an unfolding map of the future for their individual loved one with autism.

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Zac Browser for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Written by Sueblimely on

From: sueblimely.com

ZAC is a web browser specifically designed for children with autism, and autism spectrum disorders such as Asperger syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, (PDD), and PDD-NOS.

ZAC is for "for their enjoyment, enrichment, and freedom. Children touch it, use it, play it, interact with it, and experience independence through ZAC….. ZAC is the zone that will permit your child to interact directly with games (a LOT of games) and activities (focused on MANY interests) that cater specifically to kids who display the characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, like impairments in social interaction, impairments in communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior. ZAC has been an effective tool for kids with low, medium and high functioning autism."

The simple graphic, interactive interface provides four main content areas: Television, Games, Music, and Stories. The browser’s emphasis is on linking to educational and fun games, activities and videos. Ease of use is further enhanced by cutting out extraneous elements such as right clicking; helping to reduce sensory overload and possible frustration.

Adult content is blocked to ensure safe browsing. The browser links to specific pages on sites such as Sesame Street, Disney and PBS Kids and it is not possible to follow any links (including the websites internal links) from these pages. I can see the necessity of this although my son found it a little frustrating not being able to access other games and activities on the site he was on, at least when he first started using the browser. From my perspective I do not mind this. I find it does keep him on task as he would normally be inclined to flit from link to link without concentrating on anything for very long.

ZAC was developed by John LeSieur based on the needs of his autistic grandson, Zackary, and is still in beta stage. (The name is also an acronym for Zone for Autistic Children). John LeSieur was also involved in the development of d the Kid CD browsers aimed at children and teenagers.

ZAC Browser’s forum provides a way for parents and caregivers to communicate and share stories, challenges and successes.

ZAC may not suit all children in the Autism Spectrum Disorder range, because of their varying abilities, and needs, but it is the only free resource of its kind and I give it a thumbs up. Its use is not restricted to those children with special needs but is a program suited to all young children.

I have installed ZAC on my PC too - well, I had to research the program myself before writing a review.- so please excuse me now while I carry on researching. I am up to level 3 on Higglytown Higgly Ball

Post from: Blogging Sueblimely

Zac Browser for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

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