Chapman University to host Autism App Jam

MEDIA INVITED

Chapman University will host the third annual Autism App Jam on April 24 on its campus in Orange. The event features 42 student teams from four schools who have each developed an app relating to the treatment of autism. Student teams from UCLA, UC Irvine, Saddleback College and Chapman will showcase their apps to judges who will decide which are most likely to succeed. The event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Last year’s winners developed apps such as Smart Dresser that helps young women, in particular, on the autism spectrum pick out outfits from the clothes in their closets based on social norms and weather algorithms; as well as FAST, an app that allows parents to consolidate loads of information from learning plans to progress reports, as well as helps parents understand special education jargon and documents.

“The Autism App Jam is a great way for students to exercise their computer science muscle while at the same time, creating something that is aimed at making the lives of those on the autism spectrum and their loved ones better,” said Erik Linstead, Ph.D., and lead facilitator of the Autism App Jam and the founder of Chapman’s Machine Learning and Assistive Technology (MLAT) Lab.

The event is in its third year and is supported by the Center for Autism. Judges will assign a first, second and third prize based on relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), uniqueness, creativity, and presentation. Other prizes include the “People’s Choice Award” and “Best Use of Social Media.”

More information on the Autism App Jam can be found at: http://2015.autismappjam.com

More information about the ASD research carried out in the MLAT lab can be found at: http://mlat.chapman.edu

About Chapman University

Consistently ranked among the top universities in the West, Chapman University provides a uniquely personalized and interdisciplinary educational experience to highly qualified students. Our programs encourage innovation, creativity and collaboration, and focus on developing global citizen-leaders who are distinctively prepared to improve their community and their world. Visit www.chapman.edu.

Follow us on Facebook at: Chapman University Facebook

On Twitter at: @ChapmanU

On YouTube at: Chapman University YouTube Channel

 ###