iPods may help kids with Asperger’s fit in

From the [Minneapolis-St. Paul] Star Tribune:

Psychologist Sue Pederson says she and her colleagues at the Fraser Child & Family Center in Minneapolis may have found a new way to reach students with Asperger’s: iPods that cue them on navigating in society.

The devices may carry videos with scripts known as “social stories” that are used to teach basic social skills. Other useful information: “To-do” lists, suggested conversation-starters, and slide shows about acceptable behavior.

Experts say the iPod programs work well because many kids with Asperger’s are more comfortable with electronic gadgets than with people, and because the devices are inconspicuous. Researchers are developing similar software for cellphones, pocket organizers and other devices.