“Should I buy an iPad?” A question I hear often from families.
Of course they are fun and sleek, but will it help your child? Before saying yes or no or maybe- let’s take a look at several considerations.
Many individuals with autism are attracted to computers, smart phones and technology in general. iPads or other electronic tablets are mobile technology devices that may aid in a child’s ability to access alternative and augmentative communication systems (AAC). The iPad or electronic tablet can be used as a communication board or augmentative communication device that can be individualized by adding your own images or visual supports such as “First/Then” strips from Working 4 (by Pyramid Educational Consultants). Most applications (apps) are transferrable between an electronic tablet, such as the iPad, and a smart phone and thus may be helpful for children and families who are on the go.
There is a large range of mobile applications that are useful to children with autism all the way from simple, two button Yes/No (by Answers HD) to sophisticated, multilevel, communication systems like Proloquo2go (by AssistiveWare). Tap to Talk (by Assistyx) is a popular app that uses a folder system to access desired symbols. Most apps come with a pre-populated symbol set and voice generation already embedded into the system when purchased or the ability to have a voice recorded into the system. Personal photos taken either with the electronic tablet or downloaded from your digital camera can be added to almost all libraries of symbols for individualization.
Electronic tablets are light, portable and have touch screen features that may be more accessible for some children on the spectrum than other communication devices. Children with fine motor problems or specific learning difficulties may find the sliding touch screen and light tapping to activate, easier than typing or writing. This type of increased access to communication systems, shared games, and reinforcement appears to increase some children’s ability to focus and attend to new information. Tablets are sometimes viewed as a more attractive option than the more traditional devices since many children have mobile technology devices at school, not just children with disabilities.
The iPad or other electronic tablets are not a cure for autism, as some have overly stated in the press; however, given knowledgeable support personnel, it can be used to increase the learning and communication of individuals with autism.
What do you all think? Any favorite apps? Or rave reviews of a technology that is helping your child or family?
What a nice topic. As a parent of a 14yr old High Functioning Autism child, I must say I’ve thought about this. This is our educated conclusion.
The touch cell phones are great, many apps, and possibility’s, but a larger screen is nice because of spacing of the letters. My son did a video monologue as part of a report, up-loaded it to the computer and burnt it on a disk, displayed his report with a poster board, and presented his video to the class on a projected computer via disk .
W’e’ve opted for a compact laptop. Educationally it has better all around use, in the class room, home work. But the available of adding Professional Dragon Naturally Speek 11 – is helping my child keep up with his peers so he can participate in regular classes and curriculum.He can audio record his assignments, use this for lecture note’s and recording a lecture, in Science he can use if to do his labs. His English processing show’s his capability and use of vocabulary . A lap top has mulit functions, his voice recognition software can bump in and out of programs word – power point- excel .
When I looked at tablets, there wasn’t enough room for additional programs, and student and teachers programs. Hand’s down – Invest in a small laptop, or if the nd is less go with the I pad. It’s up to you, but take your child out with you. Dell has a touch screen laptop available we might move on too.
I wish I knew more about computer technology, years ago because it’s improved my child’s educational ability’s – by bridging the gap between the pace of processing, reducing anxiety and frustration.
Best of luck to you all, and more power to you.
I know I went over and over on this. I resently had a little extra money, and that was my goal get something Nicole could do great at. She is only 4 years old. But she runs that IPAD like she help build it. I just gave it to her for Christmas. She is doing amazing things with it. I have looked at the Holly Robinson Foundation to get help with apps for the IPAD/Autism. It is a work in progress, and techlogy is changing all the time! I believe in the long run this was a great purchase for her.
Any questions that I cant help with, just let me know! and ANY HELP i can get from others is very appreciated. Thank you so much! THe hardest thing is the DIRTY looks I get, when people see a 3/4 years old with one, and dont bother to investigate that this is a great learning tool for children and adults with disabilities.
recently, my classmates, most of them are experienced, introduce a lot of APP used on Ipad to help students with special needs. Most of them are easy to use and could help a lot.