iPad Helping Autism? You Betcha!
Check out this article written in the NY Times yesterday regarding the use of iPads as therapy for kids with autism. Perhaps this is news to you…perhaps not. I think in the “special needs world” it’s known that iPads and other technology can have huge impacts on kids who are on the spectrum or who have developmental disabilities, like Emma. The number of ways that technology can benefit these kids is big…and growing. The article mentions that iPads (specifically the apps on the iPads) can help with social skills, fine motor skills, academic skills, and communication skills…just to name a few.
What may be more unknown is that if your child receives services through the State, they can apply for assistive technology. Here, in Arizona, Emma receives services through the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Through them she receives OT, PT, hippo, speech, respite, and habilitation. Their services have been a god-send to Emma and Brett and myself. Is your child a recipient of services in your state? Unfortunately it’s called something different in every state, so I can’t help with googling in your state. In Arizona, the DDD is under the Department of Economic Security…that might be a place to start.
A few months ago I did apply for an assistive technology device for Emma. It requires a lot of paperwork on your part, some from the speech therapist, and a prescription for it. And it will require evaluations by other therapists to see if your child qualifies. I’m still waiting on the processing of said paper work <tapping fingers>, and hopefully that will come soon. Do we already have technology? Yes. Emma has an iTouch that she uses for games and for learning. We have it stocked with apps. However, some of the educational apps can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. When you receive your assistive technology device, it will come with the necessary apps that they qualify for. Not to mention the fact that she’s visually impaired and a larger screen would help her out!
Read the article from the NY Times and tell me what you think. Are there some apps you have that work well with your child? There are some great sites out there that will list the best apps for kids with special needs. Let me know what you find! I can tell you we have a bunch for Emma, but the ones that trace letters with your fingers (Alphabet Tracing and ABCs and Me), as well as the Monkey Preschool Lunchbox are great.
ProLoQuo is an amazing app for developing speech!
Does your child have assistive technology? Are there apps that you can recommend? And lastly, what is your “DDD” called in your state? Take a minute and leave a comment to help any readers out there starting out on this track!
