What kind of computer would be best for an 11yr old kid with non-verbal learning disability?

Question

My son has a non-verbal learning disorder (google it), and so he has difficulty keeping track of assignments/time, difficulty with fine motor skills (handwriting), and difficulty processing information that comes through anything but his ears. This means, for example, it takes so long to process what he sees on the chalkboard and turn it into output in the form or handwriting in his notebook that he can't keep up with the other kids. If he learned keyboarding skills, this would really help!

So I wanted to get him some techno-gadgets that would help him. I was thinking of a laptop. It needs good video/graphics, durable, portable, maybe a tablet PC so he can work on his handwriting. If anyone knows of some good handwriting TRAINING software, it would be great. We have Dragon Naturally Speaking already. Also, a PDA to help him keep track of his schedule would be good. What products would you recommend? The cooler the better!

Answer 1

I recently read an article about some interesting software for kids with organizational and related issues, designed to run on Palm-based PDAs. It's made by a company called SymTrend. I'm not associated with them in any way, and I'm not trying to promote their specific product. I just thought it sounded neat, and I'm considering it for my 13-year-old daughter with NVLD and Asperger Syndrome.

The software includes diaries for self-monitoring; checklists and reminders; and "guidance screens" for help in handling challenging situations. I thought a PDA would be cool for kids because it can go everywhere with you, whereas a laptop might not always be convenient, and I like the idea of software that's tailored specifically for kids with these kinds of issues.

Answer 2

Is the child in special ed and have an IEP plan?

If yes, all this needs to be agreed on by the whole IEP team and written into the IEP plan for him to be able to have these things and use them.

If this happens, the school will have to provide the things for the child. They can't be taken home or given to the student, though.

If he's not in special ed, the school does not have to provide these things or allow you to provide them.

I heard of one student where the school said he could have something like this but that he couldn't use them at school. Stupid, huh?

The school might say the child can have these things and use them WITHOUT an IEP plan, but they can also refuse this or take the things away and you can't do a thing about it.