iPads and Children with Autism

Fox News recently reported that families have had great success in using the Apple iPad with their children with autism. 

Stephen Shore, who wrote 'Autism for Dummies' and who suffered from autism as a child himself, said "the iPad might be the difference between communicating with the outside world and being locked into a closed state. Interestingly, he says it might be the first of several gadgets that actually free a child from some effects of autism -- and that additional devices, including those that augment speech, will also help." (FoxNews.com, March 9, 2011)

"Mark Coppin, the AssistiveTechnology Director at the Anne Carlsen Center in Jamestown, North Dakota--which uses the iPad as part of their special education programs--said the iPad lets autistic kids have direct control over the interface, unlike a laptop that uses a keyboard and a mouse."

"Apps like Proloquo2go by Proloquo2go by AssistiveWare provide a way for kids with autism to communicate desires and feelings in a way that would not be possible otherwise.  Coppin said There are at least three dozen apps designs for autistic kids including one for music and reading. And the device itself supports spoken text and other aids for those with special needs."

For more info go to read the rest of the Fox News story to see if you think the iPad might help your child or young adult out.