Today’s technology is often seen as a double-edged sword and it's heartening to discover how it can be a powerful ally for individuals with diverse cognitive needs. Megan Rhiannon, an autistic illustrator based in the UK, shared her journey with technology and how it has transformed her productivity. Her feature on The New York Times Wirecutter in 2021 underscores the profound impact that technology can have on individuals regardless of their capabilities.
One standout tool in Megan's arsenal is her Apple Watch, which has become an indispensable companion in her daily life. Alongside her wearable device, Megan relies on a suite of carefully curated apps that cater to her unique needs. Let's delve into some of these recommended apps and features that have proven beneficial for autistic users and others with neurodivergent traits.
For individuals like Megan, managing time effectively can be a daunting task. Tiimo,a scheduling app designed with neurodivergent users in mind, offers a comprehensive solution for organising tasks, scheduling activities, and fostering a sense of structure. From planning sessions to focus intervals, Tiimo empowers users to customise their routines and thrive in their daily endeavours. With its inclusive design, Tiimo caters to individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and diverse learning styles, making it a valuable asset for enhancing productivity and overall well-being.
To read the full article by Megan, click here.
Sensory challenges are a common experience for many autistic individuals, and finding ways to mitigate these challenges is crucial for maintaining a sense of calm and focus. Calm, a meditation app, offers a variety of visual and verbal meditations, as well as breathing exercises, tailored to address these sensory needs. Whether it's squeezing a therapy ball or engaging in mindful breathing, Calm provides a toolkit for navigating moments of anxiety and promoting a state of tranquility.
Apple devices come equipped with a range of accessibility features that empower users to tailor their digital experiences to their specific needs. From managing sensory sensitivities to enhancing focus, these features offer a wealth of customisation options.
Here are our picks:
Whether you're a parent supporting a neurodivergent child, an educator seeking tools for inclusive learning environments, or an individual navigating your own cognitive differences, the accessibility features of Apple products offer a wealth of possibilities for personalisation and support.
From specialised apps like Tiimo to the built-in accessibility features of Apple devices, technology serves as a catalyst for inclusion, productivity, and well-being. By embracing these tools and harnessing their potential, we can create a more inclusive and supportive digital landscape for everyone, regardless of their level of capabilities.
Useful links from this post:
- How I Use My Apple Watch as an Autism Aid - The New York Times Wirecutter
- Apple Accessibility - Cognitive
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One standout tool in Megan's arsenal is her Apple Watch, which has become an indispensable companion in her daily life. Alongside her wearable device, Megan relies on a suite of carefully curated apps that cater to her unique needs. Let's delve into some of these recommended apps and features that have proven beneficial for autistic users and others with neurodivergent traits.
For individuals like Megan, managing time effectively can be a daunting task. Tiimo,a scheduling app designed with neurodivergent users in mind, offers a comprehensive solution for organising tasks, scheduling activities, and fostering a sense of structure. From planning sessions to focus intervals, Tiimo empowers users to customise their routines and thrive in their daily endeavours. With its inclusive design, Tiimo caters to individuals with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and diverse learning styles, making it a valuable asset for enhancing productivity and overall well-being.
To read the full article by Megan, click here.
Sensory challenges are a common experience for many autistic individuals, and finding ways to mitigate these challenges is crucial for maintaining a sense of calm and focus. Calm, a meditation app, offers a variety of visual and verbal meditations, as well as breathing exercises, tailored to address these sensory needs. Whether it's squeezing a therapy ball or engaging in mindful breathing, Calm provides a toolkit for navigating moments of anxiety and promoting a state of tranquility.
Apple devices come equipped with a range of accessibility features that empower users to tailor their digital experiences to their specific needs. From managing sensory sensitivities to enhancing focus, these features offer a wealth of customisation options.
Here are our picks:
- Pause Animations: For those sensitive to animated content, Apple devices allow users to pause animations in messages or while browsing, providing a more comfortable viewing experience.
- Focus Mode: By customising notifications to minimise distractions, users can enter a focused state conducive to productivity. Whether silencing notifications during work sessions or prioritising important alerts, Focus Mode offers a flexible solution for managing interruptions.
- iCloud Keychain: Remembering passwords and account details can be challenging, but iCloud Keychain securely stores this information across trusted devices, streamlining the login process and enhancing security.
- Guided Access: To combat distractions and maintain focus on specific tasks or apps, Guided Access restricts device usage to a single app, preventing unwanted interruptions and fostering concentration.
Whether you're a parent supporting a neurodivergent child, an educator seeking tools for inclusive learning environments, or an individual navigating your own cognitive differences, the accessibility features of Apple products offer a wealth of possibilities for personalisation and support.
From specialised apps like Tiimo to the built-in accessibility features of Apple devices, technology serves as a catalyst for inclusion, productivity, and well-being. By embracing these tools and harnessing their potential, we can create a more inclusive and supportive digital landscape for everyone, regardless of their level of capabilities.
Useful links from this post:
- How I Use My Apple Watch as an Autism Aid - The New York Times Wirecutter
- Apple Accessibility - Cognitive
Back to main page