An Internet browser especially for kids with autism
Monday, August 03, 2009 (09:10:55)

Posted by sylvia

Arizona Daily Star By Johanna Eubank

The Internet is a great tool for research, education, entertainment and socialization. But for a child with autism, it is often too much.

Children with autism are easily overstimulated by everything around them. At home, parents generally try to reduce the stimulation of the surroundings. But how can they reduce the stimulation of the computer while still allowing the child to learn with today’s technology?

John LeSieur runs a small software company and wanted to help his 6-year-old grandson Zackary, who has autism, make use of the computer. Zackary was frustrated by the too-many options available on the computer.

LeSieur created the Zac Browser for Autistic Children so that Zackary could be comfortable on the computer. He has made it available for free to all at Zac Browser.

When Zac browser is running, many of the keyboard and mouse controls are locked out, reducing accidental clicks. It links to safe, educational games, music and videos from free Web sites in an easy straightforward manner great for younger children – not just those with autism.

I downloaded the browser to try it out. The main page is a virtual aquarium. The icons are bigger and easier to click on than the regular ones on a Windows desktop. No double-clicking is required once the browser is open.

The cursor on the aquarium page is a fish. The icons point to a video page with lots of choices, a game page, a music page and a story page. The cursor changes on each of these pages and trails such things as hearts, stars and snowflakes.

There are very few printed words for non-readers to worry about. Pictures rule here. I would recommend a parent play around a little to get the lay of the land, then show the child how to close a game or pause a video.

The browser is compatible with Windows. I used a PC to download it. The Web site does indicate that it can run on a Mac with Windows. The Web site also has a forum for parents and you can register for a newsletter.

I doubt that my son would care too much for the Zac browser, but that’s mostly because he’s 22 years old and his interests have grown beyond what this can provide. But I would recommend this for all younger children.

Who knows? David is likely to like the videos, so I’ll ask him to try it out.