There is a lot of buzz in the autism world about the many ways that the iPad helps children with autism, for good reason.
As Ashley Harrell of SF Weekly, reports, there are other computers designed for children with autism, but a growing number of experts say that the iPad is better. It’s cheaper, faster, more versatile, more user-friendly, more portable, more engaging, and infinitely cooler for young people.
San Francisco’s own Shannon Des Roches Rosa has become a true expert on the subject. She recently won an iPad for her 9 year old son, Leo, who has autism, with a 5 dollar raffle ticket that she bought at a school auction. The iPad, Shannon reports, has benefited Leo in a BIG way.
“But before you go out and buy one,” she warns, “take your child to the Apple Store during a quiet time and let them try it out.”
OK! OK! We tried it! We like it! Which Apps?
“I did a lot of research, and there is a site called MOMS WITH APPS that lists and reviews apps by category. There are many, many apps to choose from, but the great thing about the iPad is that the interface is easy to use–just a tap and a swipe between pages. Leo was able to explore, something he hadn’t really done before, and he just kept going back to his favorites.”
Among Leo’s favorites are:
Others can be found HERE and HERE.
READ SHANNON’s PIECE IN MOM’s WITH APPS
Shannon will be writing more about the iPad as a tool for teaching children with autism at Squadalicious,Can I Sit With You? as the BlogHer Contributing Editor on parenting children with special needs, and The Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism.
Which apps are you using?