I am not normally one who has to have the latest electronic gadget. However, I received an iPad from my husband this year for my birthday and I love it! It's something I can take with me on my travels for reading books and keeping up with email and the social networks. What I did not know was that there is a lot of buzz out there about what a valuable tool the iPad can be for kids with autism.
Yesterday, I came upon this interesting article by KarenTBTEN, The iPad: a Useful Tool for Autism?. Apparently, the touch screen and design of the iPad, where you tap and slide, make it easier for kids with coordination and learning difficulties. Karen writes,
"It looks like Apple may have done something they didn't necessarily set out to do: provided one of the better adaptive learning technologies on the market."
Let's hear it for Apple! She then goes on to explain how the brains of autistic kids are wired a little differently. They don't differentiate facial expressions as well as most people and they do better interacting with technology, even cartoon characters, in a self-directed way. Some communicate better in writing and are very visual thinkers. The iPad is unique, it's cool, and is proving to be a great motivational tool for these kids.
Karen cites one Mom who describes it as almost a miracle how much her son has learned using the iPad. The videos in this article are really enlightening, showing how kids use the iPad to learn how to express their feelings, wants, and needs. You have to watch Leo's Social Story made with the app "Stories2Learn."
The iPad's size is much more manageable than the iPod touch and and much more flexible than using a full-size computer. Compared to other learning augmentation devices currently used in schools, the iPad's cost is relatively inexpensive. But Karen asks, "Who should be paying for these devices?" and mentions options such as donations and insurance companies. She points out an organization called "Danny's Wish," whose mission is to put iPads in the hands of those who need them. I think that adding a debate module to her page would be insightful, giving readers the opportunity to provide feedback on this question.
I hope you visit Karen's page and find it as fascinating as I did.
Visit: The iPad: a Useful Tool for Autism?
Anything written by Karen is a joy to read, and she always has something insightful to share. I like the fact that there is so much help now with modern technologies plus a willingness to work with neurological diversity.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this lens, Kim. I'm off to take a look. I teach kids with special needs, including Autism, so I'm really interested. The kids I work with right now are very high needs, but it would definitely be great for kids with higher cognitive abilities.
ReplyDelete[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MiMi, Karen. Karen said: RT @GrowWear New at SLR: The iPad and #Autism http://goo.gl/fb/IdVwz #ipadsforautism *technology for special needs [...]
ReplyDeleteI just stopped by to say thank you for featuring my lens -- and for the suggestion about inviting discussion on how to get the iPad's into the hands of those who really do need them to communicate.
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Kim and absolutely wonderful lens by Karen! Now, if we can just figure out a way to get these iPad's into the hands of the very kids who need them!
ReplyDelete