I Yearn To Learn: Autism and the Ipad

Autism and the Ipad

One of the main struggles individuals with Autism face is communication. We all need to feel like we are able to communicate and understand others. Technology has opened the doors to new ways to communicate for people of all abilities. With the iPad device, images and words on a screed can be selected and manipulated by an individual to express what they are thinking. Sentences can be formed and voice features can share the message with others. Since the iPad is a small, mobile device, one can take it wherever they need to go. There are multiple apps available to fit the needs of a vast audience. Proloquo2Go is an excellent application that gives users access to a plethora of words. It has the ability to be adjusted to each user's unique needs. Complexity levels can also be adjusted as the user develops and changes. The price is rather steep, $250, but it is worth the cost. Upcard is an app with a much more afforable price point, coming in at $3.99. With digital picture cards, schedule and calendar options, and tracking from areas ranging from moods to eating activity, this is sure to fit many people's needs. It is a way to help individuals take ownership of their communication, schedules, and basic needs. TippyTalk is an application that is free, but has offers for other fees according to what you may need. The user can use images to form a text, and then send it to others. However, the receiver of the text sees the message in text form. This enables the individual who sent the text to send with images, but then communicate to the user the way they are generally accustomed to. This can be monumental to individuals who are trying to "fit in" with others. Social Story Creators app comes with a price of $30. By creating visual stories, individuals of different abilities are able to communicate and understand more with others. Social stories are extremely beneficial to make one aware of what to expect in certain situations.