Ipads: Giving a Boost to Children with Autism

　

by Carolyn Roe, WS/FCS Preschool Psychologist 


If you ask parents of a preschooler with autistic characteristics what is their major concern, at least 95% of them will tell you communication. They want to be able to know what their children want and need. So, if there was an affordable device that could assist in this communication, would you be interested in learning more? The iPad is such a device providing applications (apps) that give children the verbal output they are unable to provide themselves.

　
The first iPad hit the market on April 3, 2010, and it was not initially perceived as an educational tool. Its usefulness has proven itself in almost every market, including education. The iPad goes beyond the picture-only format of other interventions, allowing words to be spoken along with the pictures, rein-forcing language in a child-friendly way. The cost of iPads ranges from $400 to $700, and this is much more affordable than technology-based devices (which can run to $15,000). Dr. Margaret Herbert, a pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist at Massa-chusetts General Hospital of Harvard Medical Center in Boston, reports iPad apps allow individuals to bypass neuromotor problems getting in the way of communication. It takes away the "extra baggage."

Many parents sing the praises of the iPad and the late Steven Jobs. Three parents have brought their children for evaluations through Preschool Intake with iPads and have shown the examiners how adept the children are on the device.

As with anything new there are always skeptics. Daniel Donahoo‟s article, "iPads Are Not a Miracle for Children with Autism," cites several points to this argument. His main point is it is not a device working alone, but with the support of teachers, therapists, and parents. No two children can be supported in the same way. Areva Martin, attorney turned autism advocate, points out that overexpo-sure is not a good thing. A child will retreat into another world when allowed to do so.

Are iPads the answer to the autistic child's communication problems? Possibly. It depends upon the child, the circumstances, and how they are used.


Resources:
www.wired.com: "iPads Are Not a Miracle for Children with Autism" by Daniel Donahoo
FoxNews.com: "Is the iPad a „Miracle Device‟ for Au-tism?" by John Brandon
Fuseworks Ltd.: "iPad App to Help Children with Autism"
CNN Report: 5/15/2012: "iPad Gives Voice to Kids with Autism" by Supraja Seshadri
www.eschoolnews.com: 01/28/2013: "How iPads Can Support Learning for Students with Autism," by Laura Devaney, managing editor
www.care2.com: 10/05/2011: "Thank You, Steve Jobs: iPads and Autism" by Kristina Chew
CBS: 60 Minutes: 07/15/2012: "Apps for Autism" with Leslie Stahl
Here is additional information on the use of iPads with Autistic children from Autism Speaks.  

 https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/technology/maximizing-use-ipad

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

September is National Suicide Prevention Month

Image
This month, we want to take time to remember those who have lost their lives to suicide, those who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge all of those who have been impacted.  Why is this work important? According to the CDC, in 2021, there were 48,183 deaths by suicide in the United States, which is equivalent to 1 death every 11 minutes. 1.7 million adults attempted suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the population but nearly 80% of suicides. In North Carolina, suicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10-18. There was a 94% increase in youth suicide from 2011-2020.  Suicide can be prevented by recognizing signs, learning how to help, and taking steps to help those in need. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Student Services Department has a district protocol to respond to and manage suicide risk.   Firearms are the most common method used, at more than 50%,
Read more

Random Acts of Kindness Week is February 11-17, 2024

Image
  Although Random Acts of Kindness week will be celebrated next week, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation has provided a calendar for the 2023-2024 school year; that's 365 ideas of ways to spread kindness. They also provide a variety of resources for spreading kindness at school, at home, and at work, including a 2024 calendar for adults to spread kindness at work throughout the year.  Additionally, the Social Emotional Learning and Restorative Practices department has compiled a Random Acts of Kindness resource folder that includes lesson plans, kindness activities, announcements, book lists, and more.  Join the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation in their effort to make kindness the norm, not just next week, but all year long! 
Read more

Teen Week - Planning for Your Future

Last week, we posted a blog on fun activities for students during this time of quarantine.  As we looked over the list, we noticed that it was mostly focused on elementary and middle school students. Our high school students are also struggling to find ways to fill their time and remain socially connected to their peers.  For seniors, this time has been particularly difficult because they are missing out on many of the events they have looked forward to since kindergarten! To support our teenage students, our blog will be devoting an entire week to them!  Each day, we will have a list of activities to keep them engaged, active, and entertained. Today we are sharing ways they can begin preparing for college and planning for their future. Let us know if you think of more!  Show us your activities by tweeting to us @schoolpsychws. Use #wspsychs and #wsfcslearnon.  We would love to add your ideas to this list! College Prep Is your teen planning to take the SAT next year? Now is a great
Read more