At the Autism Society of America, we are committed to empowering individuals on the Autism spectrum by fostering independence, safety, and community inclusion. This year, we are thrilled to highlight our partnership with Verizon, through which we have introduced the Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure which includes innovative tools that can help make life easier for families and caregivers of people with Autism. Smartwatches can offer vital support for daily routines, communication, and safety, and these devices stand out as a great solution for neurodivergent individuals.

Smartwatches like Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure aren’t just trendy gadgets—they provide a significant boost in building routines, increasing physical activity, and improving communication. For people with Autism, these watches also offer the added benefit of real-time location tracking, addressing one of the most pressing concerns in the Autism community: wandering.

Two Autism Society families recently spent a week testing the Gizmo Watch 3 and Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure, experiencing firsthand how these kid-friendly smartwatches can simplify caregiving. Here’s what they had to say:

1.Helps Reinforce Daily Routines: Daily routines are essential for reducing anxiety and promoting independence in people with Autism. The Gizmo Watch 3’s timer and checklist features helped with personal hygiene, medication management, and schoolwork. One mother, Nicole Miller, used the Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure with her 16-year-old son Alex, saying, “These were super helpful for independence!”

2.Encourages Physical Activity: With the step-counter and jump timer, the watch promotes movement—a key benefit, as many individuals with Autism face challenges with physical endurance. John Brown, father of 8-year-old Wyatt, praised the step-counter feature to help his son track his activity, stating that the watch provided a fun and engaging way to move throughout the day.

3.Supports Communication: Communication can be difficult for many individuals on the Autism spectrum. The Gizmo Watch 3 allows for speech-to-text messaging, offering a bridge for those who aren’t ready for a smartphone. Both families found this feature invaluable in keeping in touch with their children. Nicole noted, “He’s savvy with messaging, so this was a key feature of the watch.”

4.Provides Location Safety with Geofencing: One of the most important features of the Gizmo Watch 3 is geofencing, which allows caregivers to monitor their loved one’s location in real-time and receive alerts if they wander outside of designated areas. Nicole Miller expressed that this feature was invaluable for Alex, who has a tendency to wander. Brown echoed this, saying the geofencing feature was easy to set up and brought great peace of mind.

5.Durable and Scratch-Resistant: For families with active children, durability is key. The Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure is designed with a scratch-resistant, diamond-like carbon coating to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. Brown noted that Wyatt, despite being tough on his devices, couldn’t leave a mark on the watch.

6.Offers Fun and Educational Games: Smartwatches aren’t all about functionality—they’re also a source of fun! The Gizmo Watch 3 comes preloaded with engaging games that are easy to follow and sensory-friendly. The Adventure version offers even more with math and memory games, providing learning opportunities in an entertaining format.

Smartwatches like Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 provide more than just technology—they provide peace of mind. As John Brown put it, “By far, this is the easiest device I’ve used to assist in keeping Wyatt safe.” The Autism Society of America is proud to partner with Verizon in offering this valuable resource to families, helping to make caregiving easier, while supporting the independence and well-being of people on the Autism spectrum.

The Gizmo Watch 3 and Gizmo Watch 3 – Adventure offer a sense of security and an opportunity for increased autonomy, allowing caregivers to support their loved ones in a more efficient, safe, and fun way.

To learn more about the Gizmo Watch 3 and its Autism-friendly features, visit Verizon’s website for the full PACE article here, along with the testimony directly from our care givers.

Join us in supporting the Autism community with technology designed to help everyone thrive.

link: https://www.verizon.com/about/parenting/gizmo-watch-3-caring-for-people-with-Autism