HandHold Adaptive and Carol Gray, Creator of Social Stories, Announce New Handheld Autism Technology

SHELTON, Conn., July 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- HandHold Adaptive, LLC, a developer of handheld software for those with special needs and their caregivers, has released a new version of its "StoryMaker for Social Stories" application (www.socialstoryapp.com), containing exclusive new features designed collaboratively with Carol Gray, creator of the Social Stories methodology.

The project represents the first opportunity for users of the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch to create and present Social Stories with the built-in support of Mrs. Gray's criteria, which are a widely recognized approach for describing situations, skills, or concepts in terms of relevant social cues, perspectives, and common responses.

Social Stories, devised in 1991 by Mrs. Gray, present accurate information about social situations to those with autism and to those who may otherwise face social challenges. Written by caregivers in a specifically defined style and format, Social Stories share accurate social information in a patient and reassuring manner. Improved understanding of events and expectations may lead to more effective responses in social situations.

The StoryMaker for Social Stories app allows caregivers, such as family members and professionals working with those with autism, to create, present and share Social Stories on Apple's intuitive, touch-screen smartphone and tablet devices. Users of the software can import pictures from a built-in starter library, add them from a camera, or download from Google, Bing or Flickr. An unlimited number and variety of stories can be created, presented on-screen, or shared with other caregivers via printouts and email.

Several new features have been added to StoryMaker for Social Stories with the help of Mrs. Gray:

* ACADEMY: Learning how to write effective Social Stories in just a few minutes! The Academy section of the application teaches each of Mrs. Gray's criteria using easy-to-understand examples and quiz modules. You'll be writing tremendous Social Stories in no time!

* CAROL'S CLASSICS: More than 10 of Mrs. Gray's most popular Social Stories are included as templates within the StoryMaker application. These stories, such as "Learning About Favorite Topics" and "Learning About Raising My Hand," can be edited and customized to suit individual needs.

Development of StoryMaker was funded by the Small Business Innovation Research program at the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences. HandHold Adaptive has received four awards under the program to support its research and development.

StoryMaker was investigated in an independently-conducted field trial featuring 31 teachers working with students with ASDs. A publication announcing the results of the study is expected soon.

StoryMaker for Social Stories is available on compatible iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad models for $39.99.

SOURCE HandHold Adaptive, LLC