According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 68 children born will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Common characteristics of autism are “difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors” (“What is Autism”). Every individual diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder is uniquely affected. One child with autism might be slow to communicate while another child with autism could be completely nonverbal. Technology is frequently used to aid individuals with autism. In the past, technologies such as computers and laptop devices have been used as therapeutic aids for individuals with autism. However, in recent years, many individuals have been moving away from
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One of the said advantages is that these devices are highly portable. This is a great benefit to individuals with autism as they are able to bring the device along with them to aid with communication (“Why the iPad Is Such a Helpful Learning Tool”). The portable device can also be used to keep a child with autism calm while in public. Another benefit is the touchscreen. The device provides a more user friendly experience for those with motor deficits because the screen on an iPad does not require a mouse or a stylus. A mouse, keyboard, or stylus require more motor movement for the user to interact with the interface. So, autistic children with poor motor skills find the iPad easier to use (“Why the iPad Is Such a Helpful Learning Tool”). The interface on the Apple iPad is customizable. Specifically, Apple has provided many accessibility settings to help fine tune the device into a tool many autistic children can …show more content…
Prior to technology, the obstacles autistic individuals faced were more difficult to overcome. Devices like the iPad help individuals interact with the surrounding fast paced world. Author Stephen Shore states “the iPad might be the difference between communicating with the outside world and being locked into a closed state… it might be the first of several gadgets that actually free a child from some effects of autism” (Brandon par. 10). Laura Holmquist, a mother with an autistic son, states “The iPad has given us our family back…It's unlocked a new part of our son that we hadn't seen before, and given us insight into the way he connects with his world" (Brandon par. 4). Prior to using the iPad, Laura’s son, Hudson, would have around nine breakdowns per day and was also almost completely nonverbal (Brandon). Technology helps knock down barriers that were previously unpassable for individuals with autism. IPads help individuals lead more normal lives.
The Apple iPad is a very useful innovation ranging from a fun device, a business device, a college student’s savior, to an intervention tool used by psychologists and behavior analysts alike to improve the life’s of individuals with mental or developmental disabilities. Some think technology is too prevalent in today’s society; however this technology proves to be a key tool in allowing autistic individuals connect with and learn the world
One of the said advantages is that these devices are highly portable. This is a great benefit to individuals with autism as they are able to bring the device along with them to aid with communication (“Why the iPad Is Such a Helpful Learning Tool”). The portable device can also be used to keep a child with autism calm while in public. Another benefit is the touchscreen. The device provides a more user friendly experience for those with motor deficits because the screen on an iPad does not require a mouse or a stylus. A mouse, keyboard, or stylus require more motor movement for the user to interact with the interface. So, autistic children with poor motor skills find the iPad easier to use (“Why the iPad Is Such a Helpful Learning Tool”). The interface on the Apple iPad is customizable. Specifically, Apple has provided many accessibility settings to help fine tune the device into a tool many autistic children can …show more content…
Prior to technology, the obstacles autistic individuals faced were more difficult to overcome. Devices like the iPad help individuals interact with the surrounding fast paced world. Author Stephen Shore states “the iPad might be the difference between communicating with the outside world and being locked into a closed state… it might be the first of several gadgets that actually free a child from some effects of autism” (Brandon par. 10). Laura Holmquist, a mother with an autistic son, states “The iPad has given us our family back…It's unlocked a new part of our son that we hadn't seen before, and given us insight into the way he connects with his world" (Brandon par. 4). Prior to using the iPad, Laura’s son, Hudson, would have around nine breakdowns per day and was also almost completely nonverbal (Brandon). Technology helps knock down barriers that were previously unpassable for individuals with autism. IPads help individuals lead more normal lives.
The Apple iPad is a very useful innovation ranging from a fun device, a business device, a college student’s savior, to an intervention tool used by psychologists and behavior analysts alike to improve the life’s of individuals with mental or developmental disabilities. Some think technology is too prevalent in today’s society; however this technology proves to be a key tool in allowing autistic individuals connect with and learn the world