Web Browser : ZAC Browser

Zac Browser is a totally free software package. It is an Internet browser developed specifically for children living with variants of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD not otherwise specified and PDD-NOS, also called atypical autism.

Zac Browser was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding and secure experience. Children sing, play and discover the best that the Internet has to offer with only a few clicks of the mouse.

Zac Browser is software that allows your child to access games (a lot of games) activities (based on diverse interests) along with videos (that allow a stimulating experience and encourages children to talk). All games, activities and videos are specifically chosen for their positive effect on children suffering from autism.

Zac Browser was developed to help a family person suffering from Autism. Detailed story is here at
http://www.zacbrowser.com/story.php .

Our son had great difficulty in handling the mouse. The center wheel was a big distraction for him. First I got him a Tablet PC. But fortunately he could master the mouse as we got him a smaller optical mouse with just two buttons. The other problem was that while he liked to access sites on the net such as Disney Play house, he would inadvertently click on the adjacent advertisements or pictures and the browser will take him into a tail spin !! This is where ZAC was great. It puts only the essential stuff as icons on the screen and disables everything else, including certain keys on the key board. It is extremely useful for those who have not yet got their kids to use the Internet. One issue I had with this was that there was no way to choose a level. Hence one had to have the icons as given. Our kids tend to be repetitive and keep choosing the same game. I have not seen the new version. More on experimenting with it. Its a great browser for Autistic children and keeps them occupied for some time. My recomendation, Take it out for a spin !!