Children who suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorder are known to conceal their feelings and are not so very good at conveying them. So, communicating with autistic children, even for parents, at times can be very tough. The reason for the lack of communication can be attributed to the development of immense fear that develops in children due to the disorder.
Speech therapists and doctors are always on a hunt for new technology and therapies that would help the communication with autistic children.
What’s the iPad?: I suppose most of you have already heard of Apple’s new innovation- the iPad. But, just in case you are wondering what it is all about, I’ll clarify a few things about it.
An iPad is a multi-touch tablet computer that particularly is for visual and audio media including web content. You can read books, watch movies, listen to music and play games on the iPad.
How does iPad Help in Communicating With Autistic Children?: Being a parent to an autistic child can be very challenging. Communicating with your child has it’s share of difficulties. But of late, help has come in the form of new technology and it is the iPad.
- According to blogger Shannon Rosa, her 9 year old autistic son has found a new friend in iPad and his interactions with the device are amazing in spite of the little bit of training he’s had. The kid is also known to be spending time in playing educational games like counting and spelling. The best part of it all is the progress shown by the kid from the moment he’s started using the iPad.
- Parents of autistic children do know the difficulties associated in attracting the attention of your children. But, iPad is helping the kids maintain focus and it has been noticed that kids are taking to the iPad very well.
- Also, there is now an app-Grace available on the iPad and it’s developer Lisa Domican is also a mother to an autistic child. The app uses visual images to help autistic children form sentences out of helping them communicate better. Also, there is an option to create a photo vocabulary by allowing the child to click his/her own images. The creator is happy now that her daughter’s communication woes have now been reduced and she does not get frustrated any more.
Technology is definitely a boon when it comes to communicating with autistic children and if it is coming from one of the most famous entertainment providers of the 21st century, it is definitely worth a try. After all, what wouldn’t you give to help your child communicate better.
