Re: Could the iPad be an effective learning tool for children with autism?

[Guest guest]

A friend of mine just told me about " accidentally " giving an iPad to this

typically developing three- and four-year-old boys. They just took to it,

intuitively knowing how to use it for everything from games to putting " Kipper

the Dog " movies in the Netflix queue. It was supposed to be his wife's iPad,

but she now has a new one.

On Aug 13, 2010, at 10:40 PM, kiddietalk wrote:

> I know lots of people have asked about the use of the iPad -and not just for

autism but for any condition where a child has a verbal disability. How cool

that you can buy something that is not only practical -but that gives your child

that edge -I mean unlike some augmentative devices -who wouldn't want an iPad?!!

>

> So here's the article and video

> While educators and parents have high hopes that touch technologies such as

the iPad could be valuable learning tools for special-needs children, including

those diagnosed with autism, researchers are busy trying to determine if, or how

well, such gadgets can actually improve students' social and communication

skills.

>

> The SF Weekly reports:

>

> Since the iPad's unveiling in April, autism experts and parents have brought

it into countless homes and classrooms around the world. Developers have begun

pumping out applications specifically designed for users with special needs, and

initial studies are already measuring the effectiveness of the iPod Touch and

the iPad as learning tools for children with autism. Through the devices, some

of these children have been able to communicate their thoughts to adults for the

first time. Others have learned life skills that had eluded them for years.

>

> Though there are other computers designed for children with autism, a growing

number of experts say that the iPad is better. It's cheaper, faster, more

versatile, more user-friendly, more portable, more engaging, and infinitely

cooler for young people. " I just couldn't imagine not introducing this to a

parent of a child who has autism, " says Tammy Mastropietro, a speech pathologist

based outside Boston who uses the technology with numerous clients. She sees it

as a game changer for those with autism, particularly those most severely

affected.

>

> The above video features autistic nine-year-old Leo , who is featured in

the SF Weekly article, using a spelling program called FirstWords. His mother

describes how Leo's life was transformed after she introduced him to the iPad in

this blog post. http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism

> http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/archives/2010/08/the-ipad-as-a-l.html

>

> Read the mom's blog too -more power to her -love parents that are out there

sharing what has helped their child which in turns helps others!!

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

I would just personally like to caution everyone with the use of things like the

iPad, gameboy, wii, Xbox, computers, Nintendo DS, tv, movies/videos Etc. While

YES, sometimes these can be effective learning helps with our special needs

children, there are other serious disadvantages to them as well. One very large

effect being that for the ADHD child and the inability to calm down and have

decent sleep. The usage of ANY of the above electronic devices is a known factor

in our kids not getting the proper good sleep that they need. Just something to

be cautious about because even as little as 30min a day spent on these things

can drastically affect their sleep by hours!

Becky

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Re: [ ] Could the iPad be an effective learning tool

for children with autism?

A friend of mine just told me about " accidentally " giving an iPad to this

typically developing three- and four-year-old boys. They just took to it,

intuitively knowing how to use it for everything from games to putting " Kipper

the Dog " movies in the Netflix queue. It was supposed to be his wife's iPad,

but she now has a new one.

On Aug 13, 2010, at 10:40 PM, kiddietalk wrote:

> I know lots of people have asked about the use of the iPad -and not just for

autism but for any condition where a child has a verbal disability. How cool

that you can buy something that is not only practical -but that gives your child

that edge -I mean unlike some augmentative devices -who wouldn't want an iPad?!!

>

> So here's the article and video

> While educators and parents have high hopes that touch technologies such as

the iPad could be valuable learning tools for special-needs children, including

those diagnosed with autism, researchers are busy trying to determine if, or how

well, such gadgets can actually improve students' social and communication

skills.

>

> The SF Weekly reports:

>

> Since the iPad's unveiling in April, autism experts and parents have brought

it into countless homes and classrooms around the world. Developers have begun

pumping out applications specifically designed for users with special needs, and

initial studies are already measuring the effectiveness of the iPod Touch and

the iPad as learning tools for children with autism. Through the devices, some

of these children have been able to communicate their thoughts to adults for the

first time. Others have learned life skills that had eluded them for years.

>

> Though there are other computers designed for children with autism, a growing

number of experts say that the iPad is better. It's cheaper, faster, more

versatile, more user-friendly, more portable, more engaging, and infinitely

cooler for young people. " I just couldn't imagine not introducing this to a

parent of a child who has autism, " says Tammy Mastropietro, a speech pathologist

based outside Boston who uses the technology with numerous clients. She sees it

as a game changer for those with autism, particularly those most severely

affected.

>

> The above video features autistic nine-year-old Leo , who is featured in

the SF Weekly article, using a spelling program called FirstWords. His mother

describes how Leo's life was transformed after she introduced him to the iPad in

this blog post. http://www.blogher.com/ipad-nearmiracle-my-son-autism

> http://scopeblog.stanford.edu/archives/2010/08/the-ipad-as-a-l.html

>

> Read the mom's blog too -more power to her -love parents that are out there

sharing what has helped their child which in turns helps others!!

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Oh I agree Bek to be very careful with these electronics -not just due to sleep

but they are very addictive and as parents it's so important to set strong

limits or these kids can be sucked in as if they were unable to walk or move for

hours at a time. It's the electronic-age zombie kid!!

But....I can tell you that if done right -there is no doubt that in my opinion

for reasons even outside of education to please consider all of the electronics

for your verbal disabled child. As I just stated these kids have become

electronic-age zombies...and that's not just the speech impaired or autistic

ones -but " normal " ones too. The new social " playing " is online. Tanner's

ability to speak so well on the phone I credit to playing Xbox Live. As you

know most speech impaired individuals have issues when put on the spot where

they 'have' to talk and break down -and that was Tanner too -prior to Live. I

know some probably think how horrible it is that I let my boys play Live...but

you get to control who the friends are -and in my boy's case when it started it

was just neighbors and all friends from school, cousins- etc. But it's been a

few years now and both my boys have friends from not just the US, but other

countries as well- and over the years some have commented on how Tanner speaks

when he " messed up " his speech. It's no longer a big deal to Tanner if he

" messes up " I've heard him say on Live " I have a speech problem called apraxia

so sometimes my speech messes up " and then that's it. What's awesome - he's

been embraced by these friends -both known and unknown -and his confidence in

speaking on the phone, on Live- it's through the roof. And even prior to all

the fine tuning up to above and beyond normal from nutriiveda, these electronic

devices provided a way for my son to be one of the boys -to excel even in an

activity that is accepted as part of play today.

In regards to augmentative devices- if needed by a child who isn't able to

verbally communicate it's not even a thought -it's a necessity. In my opinion

the iPad or similar device is just so much cooler than carrying around a typical

augmentative device, which isn't " normal " and which costs thousands of dollars.

My goal has always been that if I can't get my kids up to the norm -to at least

always have them blend in as much as possible into the norm. I always prayed

for them to reach fullest potential- that we as parents did all we could to help

them reach that -but never dreamed I'd be sitting here a decade later with 2

boys who are now in many areas surging beyond my wildest dreams.

Well I'm off (seriously) to and Noble because Tanner wants to buy a bunch

more books. I know we can just go to the library and going ahead as quickly as

he's reading these books that is what we are going to do...but right now I feel

like someone has to pinch me that my 14 year old is requesting to go to

and Noble because he just finished the last 4 books I bought him a few weeks

ago! Yes really -and all since he's been on nutriiveda which was first reported

by his head of school and why I added it here

http://pursuitofresearch.org/pursuit.html I don't know how good nutrition makes

such a profound 180 dramatic difference (I can't think of another way to explain

from not wanting to read to not being able to read fast enough)

But back to the point as I went off that a bit...if you can find something to

help your child fit in socially, and help with academics and therapy needs too

-it may be worth giving up that bit of sleep. You have to look at the pros and

cons and come to the decision that is best for your family...I'm just sharing

that " gameboy, wii, Xbox, computers, Nintendo DS, tv, movies/videos " yes we

have them all!!

But we don't have an iPad....yet.

=====

[Guest guest]

-

About the iPad and non-speaking kids......is there an actual way that the iPad

helps with communication as with an augmentative device? Do they have an actual

program for iPad that communicated for the person?

Asking for a friend whose 16 year old can't communicate verbally- and they've

never tried any devices and they've never taught him sign language either.

Grrrrr. The child HAS to be able to " talk " with others outside their home- and

maybe if the iPad actually has a program to help with this, I could convince her

to get one for him, because his dad likes the computer " stuff "

Bek

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

[ ] Re: Could the iPad be an effective learning tool

for children with autism?

Oh I agree Bek to be very careful with these electronics -not just due to sleep

but they are very addictive and as parents it's so important to set strong

limits or these kids can be sucked in as if they were unable to walk or move for

hours at a time. It's the electronic-age zombie kid!!

But....I can tell you that if done right -there is no doubt that in my opinion

for reasons even outside of education to please consider all of the electronics

for your verbal disabled child. As I just stated these kids have become

electronic-age zombies...and that's not just the speech impaired or autistic

ones -but " normal " ones too. The new social " playing " is online. Tanner's

ability to speak so well on the phone I credit to playing Xbox Live. As you

know most speech impaired individuals have issues when put on the spot where

they 'have' to talk and break down -and that was Tanner too -prior to Live. I

know some probably think how horrible it is that I let my boys play Live...but

you get to control who the friends are -and in my boy's case when it started it

was just neighbors and all friends from school, cousins- etc. But it's been a

few years now and both my boys have friends from not just the US, but other

countries as well- and over the years some have commented

on how Tanner speaks when he " messed up " his speech. It's no longer a big deal

to Tanner if he " messes up " I've heard him say on Live " I have a speech problem

called apraxia so sometimes my speech messes up " and then that's it. What's

awesome - he's been embraced by these friends -both known and unknown -and his

confidence in speaking on the phone, on Live- it's through the roof. And even

prior to all the fine tuning up to above and beyond normal from nutriiveda,

these electronic devices provided a way for my son to be one of the boys -to

excel even in an activity that is accepted as part of play today.

In regards to augmentative devices- if needed by a child who isn't able to

verbally communicate it's not even a thought -it's a necessity. In my opinion

the iPad or similar device is just so much cooler than carrying around a typical

augmentative device, which isn't " normal " and which costs thousands of dollars.

My goal has always been that if I can't get my kids up to the norm -to at least

always have them blend in as much as possible into the norm. I always prayed

for them to reach fullest potential- that we as parents did all we could to help

them reach that -but never dreamed I'd be sitting here a decade later with 2

boys who are now in many areas surging beyond my wildest dreams.

Well I'm off (seriously) to and Noble because Tanner wants to buy a bunch

more books. I know we can just go to the library and going ahead as quickly as

he's reading these books that is what we are going to do...but right now I feel

like someone has to pinch me that my 14 year old is requesting to go to

and Noble because he just finished the last 4 books I bought him a few weeks

ago! Yes really -and all since he's been on nutriiveda which was first reported

by his head of school and why I added it here

http://pursuitofresearch.org/pursuit.html I don't know how good nutrition makes

such a profound 180 dramatic difference (I can't think of another way to explain

from not wanting to read to not being able to read fast enough)

But back to the point as I went off that a bit...if you can find something to

help your child fit in socially, and help with academics and therapy needs too

-it may be worth giving up that bit of sleep. You have to look at the pros and

cons and come to the decision that is best for your family...I'm just sharing

that " gameboy, wii, Xbox, computers, Nintendo DS, tv, movies/videos " yes we

have them all!!

But we don't have an iPad....yet.

=====

[Guest guest]

Yes yes yes yes!!! Here check it out Bek

From http://www.proloquo2go.com (but click on the link -has photos to show you

-but here are the words from the page)

Proloquo2Go is now available also on iPad, Apple's revolutionary new tablet

device. Now you can use it on an iPad at home, at work or at school and use it

on an iPod touch or iPhone when going to the movies, a restaurant or hiking.

Proloquo2Go, the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system that

has taken the world by storm, is now available on iPad. Proloquo2Go is latin for

speak out loud and that's exactly what it helps people do! It is pronounced

" Pro " as in professional, " lo " as in low, and " quo " as in quotation. The " 2Go "

means mobile.

Proloquo2Go version 1.3 has been optimized for the iPad and will be a free

update for existing users.

Because the iPad has a significantly larger screen than the iPod touch and

iPhone you will be able to use grids of up to 64 items. Proloquo2Go 1.3 also

supports all device orientations allowing you to hold the iPad any way you like.

Proloquo2Go 1.3 is a universal App allowing you to use the exact same

application on an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Now you can use it on an iPad at

home, at work or at school and use it on an iPod touch or iPhone when going to

the movies, a restaurant or hiking.

Check out videos about Proloquo2Go

Check out how to get Proloquo2Go

Check out the Proloquo2Go manual

Proloquo2Go has been helping individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD),

cerebral palsy, down syndrome, developmental disabilities, ALS, traumatic brain

injury, aphasia, apraxia, and more.

http://www.proloquo2go.com/About/article/ipad

And do I hear " give it up " to the fact the ACTUALLY mention.... " apraxia " OMG

YAY!!! (and thank GOD they don't call it that stupid name childhood apraxia of

speech!!!!) iPad you are my hero of the day!!!

=====

[Guest guest]

As the SLP expert here, I can tell you that the iPad & iPod touch are awesome!

There are quite a few programs: Proloquo2go, SpeakIt, iCommunicate, AutoVerbal,

My Pics & more. Proloquo is a pic based augmentative system with pics similar to

Boardmaker & can be customized. No, these programs are not the same as a Dynavox

but are more portable, esp for kids. SpeakIt requires spelling since it is

keyboard based. Others use photos but are more limited.

I have both devices and use them often in therapy---sometimes just as a reward.

Is this 16yr old on NV? If not, in my opinion, he needs to be!

Warmest wishes,

Barbara A , M.S.,CCC-SLP

President,

Help Me Speak, LLC

www.helpmespeak.com

2500 Wallington Way

Suite 103

Marriottsville, MD 21104

410-442-9791

Ask me about NutriiVeda!

On Aug 14, 2010, at 10:33 AM, tbniesh@... wrote:

> -

> About the iPad and non-speaking kids......is there an actual way that the iPad

helps with communication as with an augmentative device? Do they have an actual

program for iPad that communicated for the person?

>

> Asking for a friend whose 16 year old can't communicate verbally- and they've

never tried any devices and they've never taught him sign language either.

Grrrrr. The child HAS to be able to " talk " with others outside their home- and

maybe if the iPad actually has a program to help with this, I could convince her

to get one for him, because his dad likes the computer " stuff "

>

> Bek

> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

>

> [ ] Re: Could the iPad be an effective learning

tool for children with autism?

>

> Oh I agree Bek to be very careful with these electronics -not just due to

sleep but they are very addictive and as parents it's so important to set strong

limits or these kids can be sucked in as if they were unable to walk or move for

hours at a time. It's the electronic-age zombie kid!!

>

> But....I can tell you that if done right -there is no doubt that in my opinion

for reasons even outside of education to please consider all of the electronics

for your verbal disabled child. As I just stated these kids have become

electronic-age zombies...and that's not just the speech impaired or autistic

ones -but " normal " ones too. The new social " playing " is online. Tanner's

ability to speak so well on the phone I credit to playing Xbox Live. As you

know most speech impaired individuals have issues when put on the spot where

they 'have' to talk and break down -and that was Tanner too -prior to Live. I

know some probably think how horrible it is that I let my boys play Live...but

you get to control who the friends are -and in my boy's case when it started it

was just neighbors and all friends from school, cousins- etc. But it's been a

few years now and both my boys have friends from not just the US, but other

countries as well- and over the years some have commented

> on how Tanner speaks when he " messed up " his speech. It's no longer a big deal

to Tanner if he " messes up " I've heard him say on Live " I have a speech problem

called apraxia so sometimes my speech messes up " and then that's it. What's

awesome - he's been embraced by these friends -both known and unknown -and his

confidence in speaking on the phone, on Live- it's through the roof. And even

prior to all the fine tuning up to above and beyond normal from nutriiveda,

these electronic devices provided a way for my son to be one of the boys -to

excel even in an activity that is accepted as part of play today.

>

> In regards to augmentative devices- if needed by a child who isn't able to

verbally communicate it's not even a thought -it's a necessity. In my opinion

the iPad or similar device is just so much cooler than carrying around a typical

augmentative device, which isn't " normal " and which costs thousands of dollars.

My goal has always been that if I can't get my kids up to the norm -to at least

always have them blend in as much as possible into the norm. I always prayed for

them to reach fullest potential- that we as parents did all we could to help

them reach that -but never dreamed I'd be sitting here a decade later with 2

boys who are now in many areas surging beyond my wildest dreams.

>

> Well I'm off (seriously) to and Noble because Tanner wants to buy a

bunch more books. I know we can just go to the library and going ahead as

quickly as he's reading these books that is what we are going to do...but right

now I feel like someone has to pinch me that my 14 year old is requesting to go

to and Noble because he just finished the last 4 books I bought him a few

weeks ago! Yes really -and all since he's been on nutriiveda which was first

reported by his head of school and why I added it here

http://pursuitofresearch.org/pursuit.html I don't know how good nutrition makes

such a profound 180 dramatic difference (I can't think of another way to explain

from not wanting to read to not being able to read fast enough)

>

> But back to the point as I went off that a bit...if you can find something to

help your child fit in socially, and help with academics and therapy needs too

-it may be worth giving up that bit of sleep. You have to look at the pros and

cons and come to the decision that is best for your family...I'm just sharing

that " gameboy, wii, Xbox, computers, Nintendo DS, tv, movies/videos " yes we have

them all!!

>

> But we don't have an iPad....yet.

>

> =====

>

[Guest guest]

Wow what a great message! Thank you Barbara I didn't know about all these other

programs for the iPad and to know they are recommended by an SLP! Kate

>

> > -

> > About the iPad and non-speaking kids......is there an actual way that the

iPad helps with communication as with an augmentative device? Do they have an

actual program for iPad that communicated for the person?

> >

> > Asking for a friend whose 16 year old can't communicate verbally- and

they've never tried any devices and they've never taught him sign language

either. Grrrrr. The child HAS to be able to " talk " with others outside their

home- and maybe if the iPad actually has a program to help with this, I could

convince her to get one for him, because his dad likes the computer " stuff "

> >

> > Bek

> > Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

> >

> > [ ] Re: Could the iPad be an effective learning

tool for children with autism?

> >

> > Oh I agree Bek to be very careful with these electronics -not just due to

sleep but they are very addictive and as parents it's so important to set strong

limits or these kids can be sucked in as if they were unable to walk or move for

hours at a time. It's the electronic-age zombie kid!!

> >

> > But....I can tell you that if done right -there is no doubt that in my

opinion for reasons even outside of education to please consider all of the

electronics for your verbal disabled child. As I just stated these kids have

become electronic-age zombies...and that's not just the speech impaired or

autistic ones -but " normal " ones too. The new social " playing " is online.

Tanner's ability to speak so well on the phone I credit to playing Xbox Live.

As you know most speech impaired individuals have issues when put on the spot

where they 'have' to talk and break down -and that was Tanner too -prior to

Live. I know some probably think how horrible it is that I let my boys play

Live...but you get to control who the friends are -and in my boy's case when it

started it was just neighbors and all friends from school, cousins- etc. But

it's been a few years now and both my boys have friends from not just the US,

but other countries as well- and over the years some have commented

> > on how Tanner speaks when he " messed up " his speech. It's no longer a big

deal to Tanner if he " messes up " I've heard him say on Live " I have a speech

problem called apraxia so sometimes my speech messes up " and then that's it.

What's awesome - he's been embraced by these friends -both known and unknown

-and his confidence in speaking on the phone, on Live- it's through the roof.

And even prior to all the fine tuning up to above and beyond normal from

nutriiveda, these electronic devices provided a way for my son to be one of the

boys -to excel even in an activity that is accepted as part of play today.

> >

> > In regards to augmentative devices- if needed by a child who isn't able to

verbally communicate it's not even a thought -it's a necessity. In my opinion

the iPad or similar device is just so much cooler than carrying around a typical

augmentative device, which isn't " normal " and which costs thousands of dollars.

My goal has always been that if I can't get my kids up to the norm -to at least

always have them blend in as much as possible into the norm. I always prayed for

them to reach fullest potential- that we as parents did all we could to help

them reach that -but never dreamed I'd be sitting here a decade later with 2

boys who are now in many areas surging beyond my wildest dreams.

> >

> > Well I'm off (seriously) to and Noble because Tanner wants to buy a

bunch more books. I know we can just go to the library and going ahead as

quickly as he's reading these books that is what we are going to do...but right

now I feel like someone has to pinch me that my 14 year old is requesting to go

to and Noble because he just finished the last 4 books I bought him a few

weeks ago! Yes really -and all since he's been on nutriiveda which was first

reported by his head of school and why I added it here

http://pursuitofresearch.org/pursuit.html I don't know how good nutrition makes

such a profound 180 dramatic difference (I can't think of another way to explain

from not wanting to read to not being able to read fast enough)

> >

> > But back to the point as I went off that a bit...if you can find something

to help your child fit in socially, and help with academics and therapy needs

too -it may be worth giving up that bit of sleep. You have to look at the pros

and cons and come to the decision that is best for your family...I'm just

sharing that " gameboy, wii, Xbox, computers, Nintendo DS, tv, movies/videos " yes

we have them all!!

> >

> > But we don't have an iPad....yet.

> >

> > =====

> >