Same Child Different Day: Voted one of the best autism blogs in the industry!

What an Honor and a Surprise.  I opened my email today to find that Same Child, Different Day has been voted by BlogNation.com & Autismblogs.org as one of the best autism blogs on the 'Net!

What an honor.  We even got a cool badge thingy!

For Autistic Children: Graphical Communication Tool for iPod touch and iPhone

A couple times a month I would run into the mom of an autistic boy. She and I would be visiting the same place, and she would have her kids in tow. Verbally, “B” is on the extreme end of the spectrum, and uses an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device for speech. It is a Voice Output Communication Aid that utilizes a system similar to the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as an alternative to speech that can identify wants and needs.

I did learn however that these devices can cost upwards of $7,000 to $10,000 dollars. With the insurance coverage for autism sporadic from state to state at this time, for many parents that can be an insurmountable cost. Yet anyone living with a loved one who is even moderately affected by autism knows that much of the frustration lies in not being able to communicate with them. Many rely on PECS cards and American Sign Language as an alternative, but there are parents and caregivers who want nothing more than to be able to “hear” their loved one’s thoughts.

Spectrum Visions presents Voice4U, an AAC application developed for use with iPod touch and iPhone. Voice4U is a $29.99 alternative to the larger, more expensive speech generating devices and comes pre-loaded with 130 icons: just touch the picture and the app sounds out the associated word. The user can access nine categories, with a response that is in a clear, easy-to-listen-to voice.

With the assistance of her son’s tutor, the app was created by the mother of a 15-year-old boy with autism. She built the system to be expandable, with the capability of adding up to 1,000 of the user’s own words and pictures. Additionally, you can change the icons and voices with your own photos and sounds as well, in both Japanese and English. Voice4U is mainly intended for school-age users, though it can serve consumers of all ages

Spectrum Visions Website
Voice4U Website
See the app in action on YouTube

Some December Tidbits from "Same Child, Different Day"

I just realized that this must have been a busy month. I haven't posted anything in almost 4 weeks which, no matter what has been going on, is a rarity for me! There has been much ado in both our autism and non-autism worlds, and I guess time just got away from me. I mean, holy cow! Can you believe another Christmas has come and gone? Here's where we were last year with this blog: Same Child, Different Day Content - I was still describing the chapters of the booklet and was only on the 4th post! This is the 45th post, and so many people say they have been helped by both this blog and the booklet "Same Child, Different Day: One family's experiences during the first year after a child's autism diagnosis": Review, Reader Critiques, Global Reach, Radio Interview.

I wish I could write more often; I should write more often. But I can only do what I can do. As I have done once before (and am sure I will do again), here are a few tidbits from the past few weeks, both related and unrelated to our autism work --- because it all relates, doesn't it?

• Our new business is forming nicely! I'm just waiting for the VT tax department to get back with me on a couple questions, and I need to finish designing one form on my end. I have a meeting with BROC Micro-business --- a free, community-based service in our city which helps new entrepreneurs --- on January 7. If this all works out (and it has to), in the end it will mean much more time to spend with the family. God knows, Lori could use the help! How do you manage work and therapies?
• Speaking of Lori, she'll be starting college in the summer. She'll attend the Community College of Vermont and is looking to concentrate on Pediatric Physical Therapy. Has dealing with autism inspired you in any way?
• I published an article on Associated Content in opposition to our state Medicaid department making the unilateral decision to reduce Nolan's coverage. Since our local papers wouldn't print it, I took it online. One reader was prolific in her comments, and feels that my opposition is counter to the best interests of Nolan. I tried to explain the crux of the article regards the state agency making an unqualified reduction. The commenter implied that, regardless of the entity making the decision, we are using our therapists as a crutch. Please slide over to the article and post your comments. I value your opinions.
• We wrote a 4-page letter to the state, requesting they reconsider the above decision. Surprisingly, a week later they wrote back that they had, and his services are once-again covered to an acceptable level. Tell us if you have ever had to battle with state agencies.
• Then, we found out from our private insurance company that they (the insurance company) should not have been covering Nolan's services based on his diagnosis. So, to make an already-frustrating situation even worse, I'll have to battle with them, along with my illiterate state legislature that doesn't believe autism should be covered by insurance. Does your state require insurance companies to cover autism therapy services?
• (Downer Alert!) We found Christmas to be tough this year. As far as I'm concerned, Christmas in our house is about the kids. Lori and I like to give each other gifts, too. But as long as the kids get taken care of, and are excited Christmas morning, our job is done. Well this year we were looking for a great reaction from Nolan, based on some of the strides he has recently made. We'd hoped, anyhow. Instead, while his sisters eagerly tore open gifts and screeched happily, Nolan paced the house, covering his ears and making noises akin to Taz of Looney Tunes fame. He did play for hours with one of the toys we bought for him (an inflatable ball pit with a tower and "ball" waterfall), but somehow, it just wasn't the same. My good friend Deanna, who is always the most wonderful voice of support, encouraged on Twitter, "you may have a long way to go, but remember the journey is worth it. Sometimes hard to do, I know...". You can say that again, Deanna! Tell us about times the frustrastration that can be associated with autism has affected your family and how you have coped.

~Jon

Thanks to a Loyal Reader for a Review of SCDD

Thanks to avid commenter Corrie Howe. She found Same Child, Different Day interesting and useful enough to post a critique on not one, but two blogs! She tried to post it on an online magazine, but for some reason they wouldn't publish her fine writing.

Regardless, if you'd like to read the critiques, you can check them out on her site "Just Because My Pickle Talks Doesn't Mean I'm an Idiot" and on "Autism Sucks".

Thanks again so much, Corrie!