Autism and iPads

I have learned that iPads are great for all children, but should be a necessity for children diagnosed with autism. They hold so many possibilities that can enhance the lives of these children and make a typical school day much more tolerable for them, why wouldn’t we give them iPads?

A child with autism is provided many more opportunities in life by simply having an iPad. Research has proven that these special children have shown advancement with their learning skills, communication, and critical thinking skills by working with the iPad and its available applications. An iPad provides the child with flexibility and accessibility. Tapping on a touch screen and using sliding motions to control the device is easier on the autistic child than typing on a keyboard or using a mouse. iPads can also be used wherever the child goes, providing ways to calm, learn, and concentrate while on the move. There is no need to restrict the child to a desk or table. One benefit for a child with autism using an iPad is the advanced controls and settings which can be used to fit the exact needs of the child. Different accommodations can be made with a tap of the screen. Loud noises can be silenced from the device and bright irritating lights can be dimmed as to not upset the user. They can even be used to model or teach the child acceptable behaviors for different situations. This makes them more desirable than any other learning device. Another benefit is the ability to enhance the autisitc child’s imagination. The mind of an autistic child is more imagery and less words. The iPad can allow the child to create words, sentences, and even stories using multiple images or drawings of their own. As a result, the child can communicate with parents, siblings, teachers, and classmates in a way like never before and without any frustration. The picture below displays an app that is being used for autistic children everywhere. In the app, children can select pictures that describe how they are feeling. Sometimes describing emotions is hard for autistic kids and this app is helping them communicate their feelings in a way that is more comfortable for them.

Lastly, here is a video straight from Apple describing how they believe the iPad is influencing the lives of children with autism and what their vision for the iPad has become.