Spectry.org is a groundbreaking, playful coding platform designed to introduce children with special educational needs (SEN) and autism to the world of programming in a safe and engaging way. This platform, supported by Skool and partners like LEGO, was built in 2021 with the goal of making coding accessible to children who often struggle to find educational tools tailored to their unique learning needs. Coding, with its logical structure and predictable patterns, is particularly well-suited for these children, yet most existing tools fail to cater to their unique needs. Spectry fills this gap by offering a safe, engaging, and structured environment where children can learn programming through play.

A Platform That Understands Autism

Spectry.org was created with a deep understanding of the challenges children with autism face. Unlike typical coding programs that may overwhelm or frustrate children with complex interfaces, Spectry offers a simple and structured learning environment. The platform avoids flashing lights, excessive sounds, and metaphors, which can be disorienting for autistic children. Instead, Spectry uses a clean, visually organized interface with clear instructions and small, manageable tasks. This approach allows these children to focus, feel comfortable, and succeed in coding while also developing key social and problem-solving skills.

The platform’s approach is not just about teaching coding but also about building self-confidence, enhancing creativity, and developing real-world skills that these children can carry into adulthood. By incorporating elements of gamified learning, Spectry turns the process of learning to code into an adventure. Children embark on a mission to Mars, where they navigate challenges, solve puzzles, and learn the basics of programming and algorithmic thinking—all within a secure, low-stimulation environment tailored to their needs.

A Growing Community of Learners

Today, Spectry serves over 3,000 children, many from rural schools where access to specialized education resources is limited. The platform has become a beacon of hope for parents and educators who want to help children on the autism spectrum learn valuable, real-world skills in a format that aligns with their cognitive strengths, such as pattern recognition and attention to detail. Spectry has already proven itself to be a successful tool, providing fun, structured learning experiences for children aged 8-12 with special needs.

Pro Bono Developer Needed: Help Us Expand!

The impact of Spectry on its users cannot be overstated. For many children with autism, coding is more than just a skill—it’s a means of expression, a way to engage with the world, and a path to future opportunities. Spectry provides a unique platform where these children can thrive, free from the frustration and barriers they often encounter with other educational tools.

To continue its mission of inclusivity and accessibility, Spectry is looking for a pro bono developer to join the team. The goal is to add language selection capabilities to the platform, ensuring it can reach even more children worldwide. This expansion is critical to breaking down language barriers that may hinder children in non-English speaking regions from enjoying the benefits of learning programming through Spectry.

As the platform evolves, the vision is to allow users to customize their learning experience further, whether by selecting avatars, enabling or disabling countdowns, or accessing new challenges that are as stimulating as they are achievable. But the journey to make Spectry a truly global tool requires the technical expertise of a developer who is passionate about empowering children with special needs.

Join the Spectry Movement

By contributing your skills to Spectry, you can help shape a brighter future for thousands of children. Spectry is not just a coding platform; it is a movement to ensure every child, regardless of their developmental differences, has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age. Coding is for everyone, and with your help, Spectry can continue to prove that.

For more information or to apply for this pro bono developer role, please contact them at szilvi@skool.org.hu ​.

Together, let’s make coding accessible and enjoyable for all children, especially those who need it the most.