Skill-boosting browsing for autistic children
Most of us browse the web many times a day without giving it a second thought, but for people who suffer from disorders in the autistic spectrum, it becomes a much more difficult experience.
With autistic children, the challenge is twofold - protecting them from the dangers of the Internet, as well as providing them with an browsing experience that is in line with their needs. ZAC browser is a tool that aims to meet both requirements.
ZAC Browser is a Internet browser that provides children with a limited and specially designed way to surf the net. Once open, it can only be closed by using the ctrl + L shortcut, and, while is it active, users are only able to access content within the boundaries set by the program.
This content is pre-programmed and designed to attract the younger eye. The ZAC Browser mouse leaves a trail of stars, fish swim around the screen and butterflies land on open windows. There are roughly five areas to explore within ZAC Browser - drawing, interactive stories, songs, music and games. All of these areas can be explored further, with many more options within each category.
The browser itself is not modifiable - there are no configuration options - and although I looked hard, I couldn't find a full description of the content. The options I tried seemed very appropriate for children, but as there doesn't seem to be a definitive list of providers, any prospective parent would have to either trust ZAC Browser or individually check each option, a potentially time-consuming task.
In all, I was impressed by ZAC Browser, although using it feels more like a computer game than an Internet experience. Although it is specifically for autistic children, I'm sure other young children would enjoy it too. Unfortunately, I didn't have any children, autistic or not, to test it on. Despite this, it is definitely worth a try. If you do manage to find the right testers, let us know how it goes!!
ZAC Browser, an admirable attempt to make the Internet accessible for autistic children.
User reviews about ZAC Browser
by Tunisia Ball
It's very childish. I don't recommend it.
by Anonymous
Great Browser.
My child is 9 years old he is server autistic, adhd, develop mentally delayed, also has PICA disease he first came to me at the age of 6 being a fostered child.In the 3 years I have learnt that his special interest are visual stimulation and when I came across this Zac browser I couldn't believe my luck my child couldn't sit still for longer than 2 minutes he first started out just clicking on any thing and every thing that was ok he now sits for 1/2 hr at each session and loves it I cant not tell you what a difference it has made to my life to finally have 1/2hr to prepare the dinner every night and also he is learning he enjoys the matching games he enjoys the TV program where he can change what movie he wants every second look its just so great I would live with out it now. More
by Anonymous
Thank you so much for Zac Browser!!.
My son Ryan is on the ASD spectrum. He has always been interested in the computer and the cbeebies website etc. However he would ask for it and want to watch me play the games etc. as he couldn't do it himself. With the Zac Browser, there are no written instructions and he can do everything himself by using the mouse and clicking on the links. He LOVES the Zac browser and can't get enough of it. There are so many things on it that he never gets bored with it and he is learning so much. Because he is a visual learner and doesn't do well with written instructions with the Zac Browser he is able to do everything and this is giving him lots of confidence and enjoyment. More
by Anonymous
FAN OF Zac Browser ! .
My son LOVES Zac Browser! He used it at school this past year and learned all these new songs on it. I asked his teacher if they were learning new songs and she told me about Zac Browser. I downloaded it and he has been enjoying it at home now too. He especially loves the video clips. He plays the Hippo and Dog over and over :) I don't mind it though because I enjoy all the songs/videos too. Even my 2 year old is getting in on the act. I caught him moving the PC mouse around trying to get a Zac Browser video to play.What a wonderful blessing to have this site and not worry about what he might find on the internet. More
by Anonymous
a wonderful tool.
I just wanted to say that I think Zac Browser is a wonderful tool. I have two young sons, one with an ADHD diagnosis and the other with an autism diagnosis. They both love to play on Zac Browser! It is amazing and I think it is a wonderful tool for helping special needs kids! More
by Anonymous
My son who has low functioning autism....
My son who has low functioning autism, he is non verbal, severe global delay and adhd which is off the scales.He is very lucky to have been provided by a charity a smart board and he uses Zac browser all the time, its a fabulous programme that he can easily navigate around the site. It also holds his concentration brilliantly and it also gives him Independence to do what he likes on the site and above all i know he is safe on there. So thanks for his amassing site and all his staff that work on it, you give him Independence and skills he may never had had. More