Compatible with iPhone
and iPod Touch
Steps
The first thing you should know is that the developer of Steps has not updated this app in a very long time. So it may not be compatible with the latest iOS on your device. That's a big problem.
Steps, formerly known as StepStones, is an iPhone app that illustrates a sequence of steps to perform a task. I know at least one teen with autism who uses this app and it works great! In one sense you could call this app a visual schedule because it could be used in that way. But it's different. Steps distinguishes itself by micro-managing a certain task while other apps macro-manage a larger routine. All the other visual schedule apps are great for the big picture and transitions. This app is best used to zero in on the exact steps that one must take in order to complete a given task, like running a load of laundry or "going number 2." Yes, I'm serious. Some autistic kids could use a step-by-step illustration of what they must do when going poop. Heck, my own autistic son could benefit from it. An example of such a schedule might be...
1. Go into the bathroom.
2. Close and lock the door.
3. Pull down your pants and underwear.
4. Lift up the toilet lid and sit on the seat.
5. Do not touch the toilet bowl.
6. Poop in the toilet.
7. Get some toilet paper and wipe your butt.
8. Flush the toilet and pull up your underwear and pants.
9. Wash your hands.
10. Come out of the bathroom.
A couple warnings; If your child uses your iPhone for instructions on using the bathroom, like I've mentioned above, make sure your iPhone doesn't get dropped into the toilet! The iPhone is an amazing thing, but it can't swim. And make sure no "number 2" gets on your iPhone!
In the app each of the steps I mentioned would be detailed with a picture, text, and even audio if need be. Yes, you can record audible instructions! That's what I call detail! In addition, when a step is completed it is checked off and moved over to the 'completed column' on the right. Most people with autism like to see what portions of a task are finished. And when the finished step is checked and moved the next step is now the focal point and on top of the list on the left. And touching the image of the current step in the center pane enlarges it, and brings it to the forefront along with any text you've attached. Steps is intuitive with functions like auto-discarding of blank steps and an auto-save feature.
What if your child accidentally (or deliberately) decided to do a step out of order? Nope. This autism app has failsafes built in that instruct you to complete the previous steps first. No cheating!
Creating your own custom schedule could hardly be easier. All the tools you need are provided on one easy-to-understand screen. You can title each step and also type in the more detailed instructions. Make the picture one of the pics that's already on your iPhone OR snap a new picture right from within Steps. You can record your own voice audibly giving instruction as well OR you can use the Text-to-speech function. Text-to-speech means that you type the words and the app says them audibly. If you jump the gun and created a step ahead, don't worry; you can create another step and then move it up into place so it's properly sequenced. You can move steps up or down in the sequence and you can create or delete steps as you need. You can even edit steps that you've created.
I see very few ways in which Steps can be improved. The code is solid and that makes for a solid autism app. The entire app, even the screen to create and edit a step, is very visually oriented. The save button is a picture of a little 3.5 floppy disc. The delete button is an eraser. Steps is fantastic! I just wish AdastraSoft made a version for the iPad. My only complaint is related to the developer. When I send emails for support it takes days (even weeks) before I hear back. That worries me, and I hope that doesn't say anything about the kind of support AdastraSoft offers.
