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iPads for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder


= = = Introduction =

In today’s society there are many new teaching techniques when working with students with special needs. Technology has been both helpful and a concern when integrating the latest resources in today’s classrooms. The iPad is a contemporary device that is on the rise in schools, with the latest applications that offer practice to cognitive and motor skills. With student knowledge of advanced technology high, should schools permit individual use of the iPad? Would there be any worries of school officials or other community members? Questions like these in mind, the exploration of the iPad, the history, issues, advantages, and future direction of the iPad help educators better understand main concepts of this new technology. media type="custom" key="24065306" align="center" width="96" height="96"

= Definition =

The iPad offers flexibility and portability unlike any other tool used for students. The iPad is more accessible for students who have learning or coordination difficulties because it utilizes a touchscreen. Because the iPad is so portable, this offers a means of calming, focusing, and learning while on the go for the students. The iPad apps for autism are user friendly and allows for children to put words and sentences together to help communicate. The iPad is paving the way for the future of autism and communication. Most children who have an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) are language delayed or may be on the low-functioning end and be non-verbal.

This site shows many different applications that are useful for students with disabilities. Click HERE

= History of the iPad? =

Individuals with autism have verbal and nonverbal communication problems as well as difficulty expressing their feelings and forming words. Traditional approaches for therapists working with these individuals on improving their communication was to use laminated picture cards. Equipment has also been developed to assist an autistic child in communicating, but the equipment is bulky, heavy, and expensive. The iPad has revolutionized a new opportunity for students on this spectrum. The iPad has unlocked the communication barrier for children and gives a voice to the voiceless. The iPad was introduced in 2010 and now supports hundreds of apps to assist children with talking, conversing and modes of communication. After the iPad was released, Apple received an unanticipated reaction from the autistic community. Unintentionally, the company may have come upon a revolutionary framework that will change the future of special education technology.



= Issues =

There are multiple issues with use of iPads in a school’s special education setting, as well as general education classrooms. One problem is internet connection. With all students ready to use their new technology, a school needs to have a strong Wifi system permitting students to use iPads during the school day. This costs money, and some school districts may not be able to afford the extra fee when already providing every student with an iPad. Similar to Wifi difficulties, there may be technical difficulties with the iPad itself. If a teacher plans a whole lesson around an iPad and the software does not work, educators may become frustrated and have to frantically find a way to reteach the lesson. Another issue is use of the iPad’s. Though educators would hope to give students the benefit of the doubt, many students would play games instead of using the iPad as a school material. Along with this idea, another issue with iPads in the classroom is security. Many students find their way around blocking inappropriate websites, and are able to gain access to websites containing crude content. Some students have more knowledge of newer technology than the school district providing the iPads. That being said, students have capabilities of deleting school software for security or study purposes. Then students would have an internet accessible device without the intentional scholarly applications. A final issue of iPad’s in a classroom is confusion of instruction. With the exception of several students, some people are not tech-savy. Certain types of learners may not excel with use of the iPad in their daily curriculum. This could cause frustration in a lesson plan if students do not know how to use their device. Additionally, training would have to be provided to help with this problem, taking away valuable class time. Students also may be confused to whether or not they get to keep their iPad by the end of the school year. If a student believes the iPad is theirs all along, the student may not take as great of care to the technology and cause damage or even lose the device. Since many families would have a difficult time buying a new iPad, the fault would fall on the school to mend or purchase brand new iPads for those students (Blume, 2013).

= Advantages =

-Most children with autism have delayed speech, or are non-verbal, the iPad and its applications are great tools to help give these students a voice. -Using the iPad for communication helps remove some of the social status from before when other communication devices were being used. - There are applications that can help with more tasks than just communication. There are applications for organization, math, reading, writing, and even more. - The iPad helps stimulate students in many different sensory experiences. - There are applications that help students with social interaction as well, and can make social stories that the student with autism will alway have with them on their iPad. - The iPad helps with inclusion in the classrooms because there are many things that the student can interact over a common piece of technology.

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= Disadvantages =

- When a student has a disability there are usually ma costs that come along with their diagnosis, and an iPad can be costly for some families would benefit from the use of one. -Students who are using the iPads are not always using them for the purpose that they were intended for. Also because there is no way to lock applications on the iPad students could delete the very expensive applications that were already purchased for them. - iPads are not covered by the government insurance that is given to students with disabilities, therefore cost is still an issue for parents. - While students have the iPad there is many times the teacher cannot be there to make sure that it is just being used for its educational purposes. -iPads are being used as a form of “babysitting” in classrooms, so the teachers are able to teacher and get other work done, this again does not assure that it is only being used an educational tool.



=** What does the future hold? **=

Now families of students with autism can be trained on how to use their iPad/iPhone or iPod at their homes. The iTalk Autism Foundation recently introduced iTalk 30: Educational Apps to Get You Started, and All for Under $50! This program trains parents on how to use this new assistive technology device. Speech therapists are excited for what the possibilities of the iPad hold. In the past, non-verbal students did not have a way to communicate even “yes” or “no” answers. Now, with the iPad students can touch the picture to communicate with others. This is giving parents and students with autism confidence. The iPad makes therapy interactive and opens the door to giving these students a chance to communicate. iPads are generally cheaper than traditional specialized speech devices. Because of the growing popularity in special education classrooms, more grants are being developed. There are several grants for teachers and parents so that they can gain access to funding to buy iPads and apps. To see available scholarships and grants click here A beneficial tool that will be utilized soon is the ability for parents and teachers to lock applications onto the iPad. This would be beneficial because it would be more difficult for students to accidentally delete applications on their iPad. Along with this, the apps for the iPad are continuing to be developed daily. The future holds an unlimited for apps on writing, reading, communicating and so much more!



= References: =

Autism Apps. (n.d.). In Autism Speaks. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from [|__http://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps?page=1__]

Blume, H. (2013, October 1). L.a. unified's ipad rollout marred by chaos. Retrieved from [|__http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-1002-lausd-ipads-20131002,0,6398146.story__]

Danny's Wish. (2010, October 20). iPad Benefits For Children With Special Needs. In Let's Chat Autism. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from [|__http://www.letschatautism.com/2010/10/20/ipad-benefits-for-children-with-special-needs/__]

Herbert, Marion. "The iPad—Breaking New Ground in Special Education." District Administration. Ed. Professional Media Group. N.p., Nov. 2010. Web. 10 Oct. [|2013. <__http://www.districtadministration.com/article/ipad%E2%80%94breaking-new-ground-special-education__] >.

iPads are making a difference for autistic youngsters (2013, September 12). In http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130912/GJCOMMUNITY03/130919792/-1/SanNews1403. Retrieved October 10, 2013

iPad Gives Autistic Children a Voice." iPad Kids . N.p., 7 Dec. 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2012. < [|__http://ipadkids.com/ipad-gives-autistic-children-a-voic__] e/>

Technology and Autism (n.d.). In Autism Speaks. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from [|__http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/community-connections/technology-and-autism__]

Using iPad's in the Early Years Sector. (n.d.). In iPad's in the Classroom. Retrieved October 10, 2013, f [|rom __http://edc3100ipads.weebly.com/index.html__]

"Why the iPad is such a helpful learning tool for children with autism ." Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation. N.p., 2012. Web. 10 Oct. 2013. .

(2011). Apps for Autism [Online video]. CBS. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7385686n