iPads for Autism

{"Thank you for releasing my voice." ~Lanier, age 18 } Autism is a neurological disorder that affects how to the brain processes information; this often leads to a unique perspective of the world and difficulty communicating and socializing with other people. Thanks to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), students with autism are able to conquer their worlds in new and exciting ways. iPads offer these students with an insurmountable tool: a voice. AAC is a communication method used to supplement speech which in some case means using body or sign language and sometimes means using tools such as iPads. When using iPads and AAC apps, it is important to look for five specific criteria: the ability to customize instruction, use of requisite moto skills to use the iPad, resources and time needed to teach iPad operation, research basis, and the cost or affordability. Technology use must always, always, always be intentionally used with students but especially those students with autism. AAC has the potential to help students with autism become more aware of their environment and learn to control what they do say. 

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