Autism 5 vs Exercise Buddy Professional

The Autism Help App assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other disabilities to communicate and regulate in emergency situations. Using the book: The Incredible 5-Point Scale TM by authors Kari Dunn Buron and Mitzi Curtis, AAPC Publishing the app helps individuals act, react and interact quickly in emergency situations. With a touch of a screen information is provided and can help facilitate interactions for a “safe” outcome for both the individual and 1st responder. Utilizing the 5 Point Scale, individuals can easily communicate and regulate their level of anxiety and take appropriate steps to be safe without the need to be verbal. On the first screen levels are color-coded with different facial expressions, increasing based on the emergency or situation. For example, choosing a “1” may mean “I have a scratch on my leg and need a band-aid.” Choosing a “3” may mean “I have a headache and need to use my relaxation exercises.” Choosing a “5” may mean “I’m lost and can’t find my parents! I need a policeman.” Autism Help can be customized to fit an individual’s needs. Levels of “emergencies”, photos and responses can be individualized for each family. Photos of different emergency responders can be taken with your local First Responders so that the individual will recognize them, adding a mothers voice gives the individual immediate recognition to do something to be safe (“go to your safe place”). Autism Help can also be utilized as a learning tool to help individuals with ASD and other disabilities learn to interact depending upon the severity of the emergency. Photos based on the level of anxiety can be of a 1st responder for 5 or for level 1 a band-aid, or fidget, or stuffed animal, again each level can be customized with photos and voice recognition to “Your own “Autism Help” app. The Autism Society of Minnesota, AuSM® with grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, has developed this app to support our mission of helping families by enhancing the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders through education, support, collaboration, and advocacy. Visit our website to learn more about available resources for Emergency Preparedness for families, 1st responders and individuals.

ExerciseBuddy Professional (EB Pro) both inspires individuals with autism and related disorders to exercise and helps professionals and parents. Everything they need is at their fingertips. Twelve universities and thousands of parents and professionals have enthusiastically embraced EB Pro because of its ease-of- use and effectiveness. EB Pro takes exercise, usually a source of frustration and failure, and turns it into a new source of success and confidence. An exercise physiologist, special education teacher and speech pathologist designed EB Pro implementing five evidence-based practices (visual supports, video modeling, social narratives, technology-aided instruction, exercise) common in special education classrooms. With these strategies children, adults and students can understand and successfully participate in exercise in a classroom, physical education, or home environment. In a 2017 study published in Physiology and Behavior, EB Pro was highlighted as: - An effective teaching tool for children with autism spectrum disorder - Establishing a greater peak energy expenditure using EB Pro during dynamic exercise - Creating a greater peak heart rate using EB Pro during dynamic Exercise EB Pro Features: - Data Collection per Exercise Routine - Customize and create visuals and videos - Three teaching routines (First-Then Board, Start-Finish Board, Stations Protocol) - Over 200 exercise visuals & over 150 videos - Save unlimited workouts - Monitor Health History (height, weight, BMI, circumference measurements) Exercise Categories: - The Five Components (Body Image, Posture, Muscular Fitness, Motor Coordination, Cardio) - Abdominal Strength - Yoga - Sport Skills - Dynamic Flexibility - Fitness Room - Physical Assessment (TGMD 2/3) - Aquatic - Sensory Break