Discovery News posted an article this morning that put a bright spot in my day. Apps are being created for smart devices to help people with autism and those who share their lives. They are designed to assist with a variety of activities including communication, organizing and remembering activities, and social interaction among others.

Where I work, we have provided work placements for people with autism. While the experience has been incredibly rewarding, it is not without it’s challenges. Having access to tools like these could help reduce the challenges and increase the rewards all around. that seems like a good thing to me.

I also want to give a big shout out to HP. This October they will be hosting “Hacking Autism”, bringing together families, researchers and scientists to gather ideas for further development. HP technologists will be volunteering their time to create the programs, which will then be released online.

For more information check out Autism Speaks at: http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Cheers, Winston