A Promising Use of iPhone Language Capability

       Last Sunday's New York Times tells how iPhone's Siri is helping an autistic boy with communication problems.  Here's a sample exchange the boy's Mom overheard between 13 year old Gus and the female voice of Siri:

Gus:  "You're a really nice computer."
Siri:   "It's nice to be appreciated."
Gus:  "You are always asking if you can help me.  Is there anything you want?"
Siri:   "Thank you, but I have very few wants."

       Siri is endlessly patient, non-judgmental, has a sense of humor, and can even fend off naughty speech aimed at her:  "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

       Gus's Mom says this is carrying over to longer exchanges with adults than Gus has ever had.  The article by Judith Newman is "To Siri, With Love," and you can find it here.