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

[Guest guest]

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!!

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