Autism apps - WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-

Evan Winik, 10, is having one of the first conversations he's ever had with his teacher.

At the Reed Academy in New Jersey, children with autism are using the iTouch and iPad to play, to learn and to communicate like never before.

The kids are using a language app to express their needs and feelings-- some for the first time.

Diane Marshall says the technology is a huge help for her son, David, 16.

"His frustration level is totally reduced because so many times he's got all these thoughts and feelings but he has no way of getting them out," she said.

Experts say kids like using the iTouch and the iPad because they're simple to operate. They're intuitive and visual and they give kids a sense of independence.

"We can teach math reading, the traditional academics, and then we have the life skills that we can go into. We are able to teach children how to do laundry, make sandwiches, how to live functionally," said Kelli De Rosa of Reed Academy.

The organization Autism Speaks has links to dozens of apps on its website as a resource for families.

For David Marshall and his family, the hands-on technology is opening up a new world of understanding.

Autism Speaks is also creating a section on its site where parents will be able to rate how well programs work.

Click here to visit the Autism Speaks website.