Tablets Help Those With Autism
Copyright © 2010-2012 Kidstablets.com. All rights reserved.
Tablets and Autism
For decades, educational experts and technology specialists have been working to develop interactive learning systems for children diagnosed with autism and other cognitive learning differences. While some progress has been made, the advent of touch-screen computers, like the iPad Mini, has opened up a world of new opportunities.
Children with autism often have difficulty with everyday communications and social interactions. A mouse-keyboard set up is cumbersome and frustrating to those with developmental differences; so while other computer-based educational and communication tools have proven somewhat successful, the facility of the touch-screen is much better suited for autistic children.
The portability, versatility and fantastic feedback capabilities of tablet PCs are what make them perfect for kids with sensory and communication difficulties. According to Dr. Jenni Gous of the Kay School for Specialized Education, “The beauty of the iPad is that it is immediately accessible. [sic] In my opinion, it’s going to change the way we teach children and we are only beginning to see the tip of the iceberg of its potential.”
Ruben Boucher, a student at the Kay School, was classified as being nonverbal. A bright boy with a severe case of autism, Boucher only used to communicate with his parents and select teachers. Since Ruben was given a touch-screen tablet PC, however, all that has changed.
According to Audrey Boucher, Ruben’s mother, the tablet PC is a god-send. “Ruben struggles to speak, so now it’s easier for him to communicate through pictures. It actually helps us to understand him better. He loves it,” she beamed.
Proloquo2go App Source: www.proloquo2go.com
Thirteen-year-old Madison Mitchell has taken to her tablet PC like Amelda Marcos to shoes. An autistic child, Madison has under-developed motor skills and struggles to interact with others. Madison’s new iPad, however, has opened up a whole new world. The tablet reminds her to put away her backpack, helps organize her day and even provides voice assistance when Madison wants to make a snake on her own. Mitchell also makes great use of Prologue2go, a software program that vocalizes words and sentences based on the images and icons selected by the user. A revolutionary product, Prologue2go gives children with developmental differences the confidence they need to navigate through everyday life.
Tablet PCs are rapidly changing the way we access information, and for some, touch-screen computers are affording a whole new lease on life. Thanks to several children-centric technology companies, a slew of new kid’s tablet PCs are due to hit the shelves over the next couple of months.
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