Apps for Autism
_ In today's society, autistic kids, in my opinion, are misunderstood.
Many times they are labeled horrible names like stupid or even mentally
retarded. I wanted to change that by taking a stand and making my
freshman project to help parents who are influenced by autism, whether
they have this disease or are caregivers to someone who does. Apps for
Autism was a project that I had only dreamed about because being a
young, teenage girl, you don't ever really believe an adult who is
married and have kids would actually come to you for help. I was the
exception! I created a Twitter account, Apps for Autism. I began
blogging two times a day, and sometimes even three. With the help from
my teacher, Mrs. Vicki Davis, I was gaining up to 3 followers a day by
the last 4 months of my project and being contacted by parents who
needed help. My mentor was the greatest woman anyone could have asked
for. She really helped me because she shared the same passion as me.
Soon, my project took off! I even got to beta test an app with a company
who is unforgettable in how much they wanted to make a difference in a
child's social skills with autism. I gained their support and they
gained mine. As I traveled deeper into my journey, I chose to take the
path that involved apps. My reason for this was because kids with autism
tend to have trouble learning depending on the severity of their
condition. By taking on apps, I knew my support would grow and this
would help parents more than ever who were busy balancing every day
orders, if they chose to take my advice. I created a Tumblr
account and began testing apps and reviewing them. Thanks to my awesome
friends letting me use their iPads, I was able to test a good bit of
apps. Parents from all over America were direct messaging me on Twitter
asking for apps they could use with their kids, along with lists of apps
that they suggested! It felt amazing feeling like I was actually making
a difference. Finally, I was getting somewhere and doing something that
not many freshman can say they did. I am going to try my best to keep
Apps for Autism updated because technology is constantly changing with
new ways to learn. Apps for Autism really opened my eyes to what all I
was capable of doing.
Bocce
During my Sophomore year, I was able to contribute to our school and lend a hand while we put on Bocce Ball for the Special Olympics. It was extremely fun! I loved being apart of it and watching their faces as they threw the ball. It made it all very worthwhile and I can't wait to do it again next year!