Microsoft Store at Ala Moana offers classes for autistic kids

Just like any other kid, Jackson Takahashi’s favorite things about attending the coding class at the Microsoft Store at Ala Moana Center are learning new computer skills and making new friends.

“If I learn how computers work, it might help with a future job or give me opportunities,” he said.

The 13-year-old Aiea resident, diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, completed a monthlong program offered through the Autism Society of Hawaii and Microsoft Store.

Jessica Wong-Sumida, executive director of Autism Society of Hawaii, said that kids with autism tend to love computers and electronics.

“Coding is a problem-solving activity,” she said. “Once they work through things, they see direct results. They don’t always get abstract concepts, so this is really good for them.”

Free kids’ classes are offered monthly during store hours, but the classes offered for kids with autism are held on Sundays prior to the store’s opening to provide a quieter setting for students who might not be able to focus well in a noisy, busy retail setting.

“Normally I get nervous about how he will respond to things or how he will interact with the other kids,” said

Julie Takahashi, Jackson’s mother. “I want him to be as independent as he can so he will have more options.”

Takahashi said it was the second time her son took the classes and that she appreciates that they keep the group size small and explain everything for the autistic students, which puts her son at ease.

“We wanted to expose him to new technology, find something to spark his interest,” she said.

In the class, students are led through educational games with popular themes like “Moana” and “Minecraft,” which teach kids the basics of computer coding. Each class accommodates up to 10 students. Kristina Cook, community development specialist at the Microsoft Store, said the brand’s mission is to “empower youth by providing direct access to technology and hands-on learning.”

Amanda Kaahanui of Kaneohe signed up her 13-year-old son, Ikaika, who isn’t autistic, but is “quirky,” for the specialized class.

After completing the program, Kaahanui said, her son is more confident.

“He wants to make movies, so this helps him to express himself and get the ideas out of his head.”

For information on activities offered through the Autism Society of Hawaii, click here. For information on Microsoft Store classes, click here. The next session runs on Sundays, May 7-28, and is geared to middle- and high-school students.