Are parents placing too much hope on the iPad solution?

You know how much we love the apps that are becoming available on the iPad.  We have often shared our discoveries with you, knowing that the apps have been specifically designed to help children on the autism spectrum.

Recently some autism specialists and researchers have begun to think that we are placing too much hope in these apps.  They seem to think that we expect the apps to perform miracles for our children.  

Do you think that’s true?  I don’t agree.

Over at Autism Plugged In one writer said, "Technology isn't ‘an answer’ but it can sure help and sometimes in quite life changing ways."

He goes on to say, "The special needs Apps on iTunes and Android are interesting, fun, helpful and are usually developed by highly qualified professionals in relevant areas, but they are only ever going to be another tool to add to your kit bag.  It may even be that the App itself does nothing more than provide you with 10 minutes peace, but that in itself is invaluable."
Isn’t that more in line with the way you view your child’s use of the iPad and apps?

I love seeing results like those you’ll see in the video below.  I love seeing a child find the right tool for his needs.  I love the fact that a simple app holds so much promise.  But I don’t believe they are a "cure" for autism.

As parents of children on the spectrum we will always be looking for tools to make our children’s lives easier but we understand that they are only tools.

What is your opinion?  Do you see the iPad as a cure?



 

Computer Applications for Special Needs

The latest tool to help people with special needs is the app. There are many apps out there with new ones seemingly entering the market each day.

Not all apps are created equal however and some are not even worth the time they take to download. However, for those who like anything hi-tech and are interested in the apps suitable for those with special needs, here are a few of our favourites.

1. Anyone who has communication problems or development delays will benefit from the First Then Visual Schedule from itunes.apple.com. At just $10.49, it prompts the child to follow their usual schedule with visual tools to help lower anxiety during transition periods. It is available for the iPad and iPhone.

2. Similarly, iPrompts also uses prompts via the use of visual images. It has a countdown facility so that the child knows how much time is left before the next task is to be done. This is a little more expensive at $49.99 so be sure to assess it before you purchase.

3. iReward at just $4.99 is a clever app which shows the child how many times they have to do something to receive a reward. This is great for reinforcing behaviour in individuals who are difficult to teach.

There are many apps on the market which help teachers, professionals and parents to track the behaviour of children with special needs. These are great for those who forget to keep journals, or for those who just don’t have the time. The general idea then is that anything that happened in between doctor’s visits or specialist’s visits will be tracked and analysed correctly.

Take advantage of these tools because for the most part they are inexpensive and children take to them naturally.