Special Education in the Science Classroom: Strategies for Success, Teaching Today. How the iPad Can Help Kids with Autism. Most of us think of the iPad as Apple's latest, coolest gadget to add to our tech arsenals.
For the parents of some autistic children, however, the iPad is a near-miracle. SF Weekly profiled the Rosa family of Redwood City, CA; their 9-year-old, Leo, has "intense autism" and "he is not conversational, he learns very slowly, and he has been prone to violent outbursts," reported his mother Shannon Rosa in the article (read it in full to get a better picture of the family's harrowing struggle with ASD). Leo had previously played with Rosa's iPod Touch, but when she handed him an iPad she'd won in a raffle, he took to it instantly. What draws autistic children -- some of who cannot grasp daily tasks such as dressing or handwashing -- so naturally to the iPad? The main explanation the article offers is that autistic children know what to expect when they tap or slide on the iPad -- but they cannot anticipate human expressions and reactions, which frustrates them.
Assistive technology for kids with learning disabilities: An overview - Assistive technology. By Marshall Raskind, Ph.D. , Kristin Stanberry Assistive technology (AT) is available to help individuals with many types of disabilities — from cognitive problems to physical impairment.
This article will focus specifically on AT for individuals with learning disabilities (LD). The use of technology to enhance learning is an effective approach for many children. Special Needs Students. Helping Autistic children learn with Video Modeling techniques January 27, 2010 An inspiring use of technology, helping students challenged with Autism and similar disorders.
This week’s mid-week update provides an introduction to a use of technology that should be wonderful to see unfold – expanded use of video technology, in the form of Video Modeling, to help Autistic children.