Software Brings Autism Therapy Into Homes

A Seattle software company is offering new hope to parents of autistic children who struggle to get, and afford, behavioral therapy, which can cost upward of $30,000 a year and isn't usually covered by insurance. Jigsaw Learning has created a game-like computer network, called TeachTown, that provides some aspects of the therapy, the Post-Intelligencer reports.

The founders say the network can’t replace real therapists, but it can allow children to work on their own, reducing the hours needed with expensive, often-overbooked professionals. About 1,000 school districts, treatment centers and parents are currently using TeachTown software, which costs $40 for a month's subscription. (More autism stories.)