In my previous blog I explored a variety of AT devices and I finished the blog by discussing electronic tablets. One of the most popular electronic devices used to support students with autism and communication disorders is the IPad. The following post will discuss how the IPad and other electronic devices are used to support children with autism and communication disorders.
What Ipad Apps are available for children with autism and their educators?
This video is enablers the view to understand what apps are available to educators when working with children with autism and communication disorders. Lauren, the presenter, typically works with young children so the majority of her apps are geared toward children in their early school years. The apps presented in this video range from simple cause/effect practice to advance speaking apps (ProLoQUotoGo). I practically enjoyed her segment on social stories (Model Me Going Places). My experience is in the general education classroom and I feel the social story apps can benefit all children. I like how the apps allow the students/class to create their own social stories. Plus, the students can narrate their own stories, again demonstrating how these apps can be used in both the general education and special education classroom. Finally, I appreciated learning how the Yes/No apps. These apps provide children with a way to say yes or no through out the day. Teacher can plug in pictures and/or other words to provide different choices for the student (i.e. milk or juice). This video has allowed me to feel more comfortable about the idea of using the IPad in the classroom. I have not yet had any experience using the IPad but I look forward to the opportunity.
Do we have evidence of the effectiveness of IPads on children with autism?
In this video, we learn children with autism play with IPads for the same way toddlers play with language. Therefore, when children with autism are first introduced to the IPad they need to explore the device like a child explores language. In the former video, Lauren discusses the same concept. There are a variety of apps available to young children and students with autism to learn how to use the IPad. The children need to learn their is a cause/effect relationships when using the IPad. Because children with autism develop communication skills at a slower rate research is going to take some time. Therefore, we do not have data on how early introductions to IPad impacts children with autism ability to communicate.
Can children with severe autism communicate using electronic devices?
This video is very powerful and inspirational. It allows the viewer to understand how it feels to have autism. I recommend anyone interested in the field of special education, behavior therapy and autism to watch this video. The most valuable piece of information I took from the video is to never give up and to keep trying new approaches. Inside, each child is an individual with a voice and its our job to help these students find to communicate. In addition, this video provides a great parent perspective on autism and communication disorders. Can you image not ever being able to speak with your daughter then one day (11 years later) be able to communicate with her?? Amazing.
Is there a technique to using IPad tools?
This video provides a teacher perspective on using the IPad. Using an IPad in the classroom (or at home for parent support) requires technique. This technique includes setting up a plan, being mindful of the participants, being considerate of the purpose and how/who will hold the IPad.
How do the apps help children to communicate?
What can you learn about your students through the use of IPad?
I learned a great deal about autism and how the IPad can help children with autism and communication disorders. I did not know there were so many ways to use the IPad prior to exploring these videos. I look forward to one day trying them in my classroom.
References:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGU1ELjS7bQ
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7385702n
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XMlhCfp3Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lETb9w1tbCI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vomkNSluWW4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuCbYNls0V0
The ability to communicate with your child is one of the most precious gifts. Seeing these videos brings the reality of some families situations closer to home and the struggles that they go through are heartbreaking. The IPad seems to be a key to breaking through the wall for some people. (With training - that is so vital). The results may not come in a flash but step by step. Any step in a positive direction is a step closer to knowing more about a child and his needs, wants, thoughts and feelings. This is something that many of us take for granted
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