1. Apps for
Autism
How this popular piece of technology is helping
children with autism exceed expectations
2. Autism
A developmental disability characterized by deficits
in:
Verbal and nonverbal communication
Social interactions
Repetitive behaviors and interests
1 in 88 children are diagnosed
5 time more common in boys
*Information retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/
3. Barriers to Learning
Communication
Many children with autism are nonverbal or have very little speech
Inability to communicate basic needs, wants and feelings
Sensory
Sensory input is received, but process abnormally
Can cause distress and confusion
Social
Lack of interest and ability to connect with others
Attention
The individual must be interested in order to maintain focus
4. The iPad
Apps include a text-to-speech tool allow individuals
to communicate needs, wants and feelings
Colorful visuals and sound keep children engaged
The easy to use touch screen is appropriate for
children with underdeveloped motor abilities
In a comparison of the iPad and picture exchange
systems, teachers reported
Using the iPad resulted in faster communication
The iPad was easier for students to manipulate
Students liked using the iPad
(Flores, Musgrove, Renner, Hinton, Strozier, Franklin & Hil, 2012)
60 minutes Apps for Autism Click this link to view a 60 Minutes special on how
iPads are changing the lives of individuals with autism, as well as their families
and teachers.
5. Communication Attention
Specific apps are “Teachers reported that
designed with a text-to- students found the iPads
speech feature that helps motivating and that use of
individuals create speech the iPads reduced off-task
behavior.” (Price, 2011)
Output is clear and
immediate
Exchange of
communication is quick
Social
"One of the problems is other technologies make kids look
so different," Folks says. "Kids don't want to be seen with
them. [Now] they can download a book, put it on an MP3
player, and listen to the same book everyone else is
reading.” (Stroud, 2010)
6. Bibliography
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). New Data on
Autism Spectrum Disorders. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/CountingAutism/
Flores, M., Musgrove, K., Renner, S., Hinton, V., Strozier, S., Franklin
, S., & Hil, D. (2012). A Comparison of Communication Using the
Apple iPad and a Picture-based System. Augmentative and
Alternative Communication, 28, 2, 74-84.
Price, A. (2012). Making a Difference with Smart Tablets: Are iPads
really beneficial for students with autism? Teacher
Librarian, 39, 1, 31-34.
Stroud, S. (2010). Merging IT with AT. T H E Journal, 37, 8, 13-14.
