A majority of our blogs discuss the dozens and dozens of apps which may benefit individuals with special needs. If your student/child isn’t familiar with using a touch screen on the devices, then he/she likely won’t reap each app’s full benefits. Touch Autism has developed Touch Trainer, which is an app to help train anyone who is just learning about touch screen technology.
If your child/student is just getting started with a touch screen, Touch Trainer is a great place to start. It is an easy-to-use app that teaches single finger fine motor skills as well as cause and effect.
The app was developed by a “Board Certified Behavior Analyst as a way to use errorless learning (in which the learner never fails, but is supported in success) to teach the prerequisite skills needed to benefit from touchscreen technology.” The app allows each user with autism, Down syndrome, or other cognitive disability to be in control and move at his or own pace.
Touch Trainer is designed to provide visual and auditory stimulation when the learner taps the correct spot on the screen. As the learner progresses, the box will get smaller until it is the size of the buttons commonly used in apps geared toward individuals with special needs and young children.
Overview of Touch Trainer:
- Features 7 different levels
- Caregivers are able to choose if the app recognizes any touch (e.g. swipe, hold, etc.) or if it only reacts to a distinct tap
- They can also select how many correct responses the learner must obtain to advance to the next level.
- Plays music and shows a basic animation whenever a button is tapped
To learn more about Touch Trainer, check it out on iTunes or Touch Autism’s website.