The iPadAn Indispensable AT device

For Children with Autism

Elizabeth WilliamsTechnology in Special Education, EDUC 432

Southwestern College

A portable tablet computer (between the size of a cell phone and a laptop computer), that is marketed by Apple, Inc.

What is the iPad?

Audio-Visual Media

Music

Games

Apps (Applications)

Web Access

What does the iPad offer?

iPads allow even young children to participate in interactive learning apps

Are There Apps Designed Specifically

for Children with Autism?

YES!!!

An App designed to help with fine

motor skill development and

handwriting readiness. Interactive

touchscreen is appealing and

stimulating while working on

developing fine motor skills.

Dexteria

Dexteria Offers Many Different Interactive Options

Eye Contact (Zoo Version)

App designed to encourage children with Autism who have difficulty making eye contact.

This App helps develop social skills, while playing a game (requiring them to look in a person’s eyes), earning rewards, and creating their own virtual zoo.

While playing this game, a number will flash in eyes of the child on the screen (Which changes each time). The child playing the game must identify the number in order to earn points.

Eye Contact (Zoo Version)

There are multiple versions of this game to suit the interests of the child, including:

- The Train Version- The Ocean Version- The Dollhouse Version- The Restaurant Version

Note:

What Goes Together?

This App helps children develop reasoning skills, in addition to increasing their language skills.

Children are asked to answer questions based on realistic scenarios in a series of challenge/reward games.

Conversation Builder

Available Features

1. Simple interactions that encourage children to learn patterns of conversation.

2. Students can record all or part of their conversations.

3. Multiple group settings available.

4. Students can respond to pre-scripted questions.

5. Conversations can entail multiple steps.

6. Conversations can be personalized based off the student’s individual interests.

7. Pre-recorded audio is combined with the student’s recordings to create a complete conversation.

8. Conversations can be saved for later review.

9. Over 150 conversation topics available

Each child learns differently, but many parents and teachers say…”Yes!”

According to one parent interviewed by CNN, she claimed “It gave [my child] a sense of control she never had before” (Sheshadri, 2012).

Do The iPad Apps Truly Help Teach Children with Autism?

“Teachers say the device has educational, therapeutic, and

entertainment value and combines many useful functions into one device” (Education and

Technology, 2012).

There are over 700 Apps available through ITunes that are specific to children with Autism.

They are cost-effective (ranging from $.99 – $4.99) AT tools that can benefit a broad spectrum children.

Availability and Variety of iPad Apps

Many parents and educators feel that, if used properly, they have many beneficial applications.

The interactive nature and ease with which the iPad functions enables its usage across a broad spectrum of abilities under the Autism umbrella.

Are iPads an AT device that benefit children with Autism?

Sheshadri, Supraja (2012). iPad Gives Voice to Kids With Autism. Retrieved on October 19, 2012 from http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/tech/gaming-gadgets/ipad-autism/index.html

Education and Technology (2012). Teachers Using iPads to Instruct Autistic Children in New Ways. Retrieved on October 19, 2012 from http://www.siliconprairiesocial.com/teachers-ipads-instruct-autistic-children-ways/

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