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Computers for Autistic Children

290 points posted to New Product Ideas by eitniears Apr 29

Hello, my son, Ian is 6 years old and has Autism spectrum disorder. One of the characteristics of autism is restricted interests. Well, my sons' interest is quite restricted to computers!!
And his brand of choice is DELL.
We have purchased him about 5 different VTech brand computers for kids. He masters them almost immediately and gets frustrated because he likes WORD so he can type.
It would be awesome if DELL made challenging computers for kids , especially kids with autism.
This was in fact Ian's idea. He desperately wants a DELL computer of his own, a LAPTOP!!! He is very specific. I recently purchased a new Dell Desktop sytem and let the kids have my old DELL. Well, Ian is tired of it and now wants a Laptop.
He is so funny.
Please consider doing something for kids on the autism spectrum that are interested in computers!
Thank you!

winoffice
Apr 29		 My neighbor has an autistic child, but he uses the same computer as the rest of his family, so I see no need to make separate computers.
cestuila
Apr 30		 Dell's rumored EEE PC-style laptop might match that type of use?
jdelidc
Apr 30		 ubuntu is more complicated than windows.... so more challenging
chopdoc
May 7		 Merged Idea originally posted May 6
XFR D630 (or another) for Autistic Children

Start a program to donate, or provide at minimal cost, XFR D630 Notebooks (or introduce a lower end model) for autistic children. I have been trying to contact the various foundations of computer manufacturers regarding ruggedized notebooks for autistic children. I am finding dead ends everywhere, including with Dell's foundation.

It is well known that computers are opening the minds of the autistic and giving them the ability to communicate. In may cases, these children are too tough on things to put a regular notebook in their hands. A ruggedized notebook is the answer.

Both Intel and OLPC are miserably failing to address their own stated purposes in general, and more than that have virtually ignored what they could do here in the US for the disabled.

Dell could lead the way. Perhaps a ruggedized version of one of the lower end Notebooks? Perhaps running a Linux distro?

All of the major OEMs are suffering in the image department among both the tech community and the general consumer. This is partly rooted in support reputation problems, ties with Microsoft and Intel, and a blatant disregard for actual consumer needs. Something like this could help Dell rebound from that image.

I am a loyal Dell customer and have built and run networks from SOHO to enterprise level centered on Dell technology. Personally, I wouldn't buy anything but a Dell notebook....it's a shame that when I tell some people that they look at me funny.

Dell can fix that.
sugarbear
May 7		 Merged Comment originally posted May 6
This is along the same lines as, http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/10088252/Computers_for_Autistic_Children
chopdoc
May 7		 Merged Comment originally posted May 6
True, it is along the same lines. Computers are demonstrated to be of particular benefit to the autistic. Panasonic has donated many toughbooks to support environmental efforts. Intel and OLPC are addressing the third world. According to Dell's foundation, if you don't live in specific counties in the US (very few) you are out of luck for help from them.

Education is of course an important place for computers, and all the major OEMs address this, but they are failing to address the individual needs of children who could benefit in particular, and in much greater ways than the average child. It is a fact that with computers there are a fair number of people with autism spectrum disorders that go on to lead productive lives, even with advanced educations. In fact, it is not unknown for there to be an inordinately high number of people with Aspergers Disorder in computer related fields...programming, database management, etc.

It is great than some of these kids can use a regular notebook, but the truth is, most cannot, they would destroy it. Ruggedized notebooks are the answer.

I used to do IT, and I have a seven year old son with autism, now I am a doctor. I am acutely aware of the need I speak of, it is well documented and supported by research. In addition, I am aware of how this ties into industry wide issues, it could be of great benefit to Dell.

These kids need this.
sugarbear
Jun 4		 There is a browser specially designed for these kids. http://ap.google.com:80/article/ALeqM5g4aOK0HuId1Q6oWOGzIM5h9Rtf_QD912OC100
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