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iPads, Technology and Autism
By Karina Barley – M.Ed. and
Digital Learning Tree
www.digitallearningtree2.com
About Karina Barley – M.Ed.Karina has over 25 years of
experience in the education sector, and she has taught in both
mainstream and special education schools.
It was her interest in autism and how to provide better educational opportunities for her students with
autism that led her to iPads.
In 2011 she successfully trialed iPads with her special needs class and saw a
massive transformation with her students with autism. That year she completed her Master of Education
specializing in technology and special education, and received high
distinctions for her pioneering work on iPads for autism education.
Since then she has developed over 15 courses available to teachers in
America, Australia and Singapore.
This presentation was created to begin a dialog and discussion
regarding using iPads and technology with children who
have autism.
Please note that each article referenced will have a
hyperlinks, taking you to the source.
There will also be other links in this presentation for your
reference. You will be able to click on words/images and be taken straight to the website.
Using technology with children on
the Autism Spectrum.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
report that developmental
disabilities are increasingin the U.S.
What is the media telling
us?
Washington Post recently reported that
industry analysts estimate U.S. schools
will purchase 3.5 million tablets by the
end of the year.
The media and various advocacy
agencies are reporting on the benefits of using
iPads with children who have autism.
iPad gives voice to children with autism
Is the iPad a “miracle device” for children with autism?
How iPads are helping children with autism
iPads help late-speaking children with autism develop language
The Advantages of iPads for Special Education Students
60 Minutes – Studying iPads and autism
Why are iPads so popular?
• The iPad has a large variety of accessibility options, including Voice-Over and Text to Speech
• With each iOS update the accessibility options have vastly improved
• Easy to navigate • Large variety of apps• Lightweight and easy to hold• Individualised learning is made easy
So what does this mean for children on
the Autism Spectrum?
How will this effect Autism Education?
Special Education schools are
implementing iPads into their
curriculum.
Hawaii School Adopts iPad Program for Students with Autism
Digital Assessments Evolve for Students with Autism
Technology Gaining Foothold in Special Education
iPads especially helpful for special-needs students
Various organisations are giving away free iPads to children
with autism.
5 Ways to Get a Free iPad for your Special Needs Child
ASDF iPad Program
How to Get an iPad for your Child
Ways to get an iPad...
iPad’s for Autism Application
Autism Speaks recently had over
16,000 applications for their free iPad grant
program. 800 children were
awarded free iPads.
There are many apps being designed specifically for children with autism and
being marketed as “autism friendly”.
Educational publications, bloggers, and advocacy
organizations are creating lists of the “best” autism friendly
apps.
22 Best Mobile Apps for Kids with Special Needs
Autism Apps
13 Best Autism Apps for the iPad
14 Expert-Recommended iPad Autism Apps
Wheel of AAC Apps by Sally Millar and Gillian McNeill of CALL Scotland
Apps for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders by Mark Coppin
Including recommendations from Karina
27 Visual, Sensory, and Augmentative Apps for
Autism
Visual Schedules using the iPad
What is the autism
community saying?
Lets take a look at Carly Fleischmann
and see how technology impacted
on her life
ABC 20/20 Interview
Temple Grandin has some insightful thing to say about Kindles and iPads
Part OnePart Two
What does the research say?
iPads in Special Ed: What does the research say?
iPads May Help Boost Speaking Skills in Kids with Autism: Study
iPad and Limitations in Teaching Children with Developmental Disabilities
List of Academic papers on iPads and autism
Karina’s research
Autism Aspect Australiapublished a short research article on iPads for Autism
iPad Update
They found that
“Recent advances in personal computer technology have revolutionized the options available to support children with Autism for developing their social, communication and daily living skills. With relatively affordable devices and cheap (of free) software applications now widely available, parents and special educators alike have welcomed iPad developments.
To date, however, the impact of personal tablet computers on short- and long-term outcomes for students with ASD has not been comprehensively researched.
Researchers are advising parents to seek professional advice before acquiring a tablet computer or applications in order to ensure the child’s individual needs are being met. “
Regarding iPads for autism education, Disability Scoop reported “Gray, of AIR, emphasized that no technology, no matter how dazzling, can do it alone. ‘There’s no magic here, whether you’re talking about kids with disabilities or general education classes,’ she says.
‘You need teachers who understand technology, the support to do it well, and professional development.’”
Tracy Gray, Managing Researcher for Education at the American Institutes for Research.
The iPad is not a “miracle device”.
For this technology to help your child, there needs to be a trained
adult driving the process.
And as Carly Fleischmann has shown
us, don’t assume anything!
All children with autism have a voice, it is up to us to help them find it.
Technology could possibly be the key, if it
is used correctly.
Things to consider before implementing technology
•What are you hoping to achieve when using technology with your child with autism? Will it be for educational purposes, communication assistance etc.Creating a clear goal will help you with the next steps•What technology is available? Is there
a way you can test the various options?
•What are the accessibility options for each device? •What apps/software is available for
each device?• How much are apps/software going to
cost you? You should incorporate these costs into your budget. •Who else is going to use the
technology? (Parents, teachers, carers, therapists etc.) • How will you respond to potential
obsessions with themes/apps?• How will you move forward should you
not see a positive result?
Recommendations
• Have a clear goal in mind• Create a “policy” for use of the iPad• Plan around both your goal and policy• Do your research on what apps are available• Learn how to manage your apps and
software updates, childproofing options etc.• Have a plan for how you will respond to
possible misuse and obsessions. Regardless of whether your child has autism or not, they will try to push the boundaries!
• Look at what training options are available • Be aware that this technology may not be
suitable for your child.
Our response to this issue was to create courses for adults
seeking to implement the iPad as an
educational tool.
We are continually trying to raise awareness and we are advocating
for more funding to support autism health, the health of their families, autism education, and
also support for the teachers/carers/therapists who are committed to the wellbeing
and future of children.
Autism iPad Techniques to Bridge Learning Gaps
Strategies for using the iPad with Students who have Autism
Turn Your iPad into an Augmentative Communication Device
All children have the right to an education and educational resources that enable them to:1/ Learn how to learn2/ Have their lessons differentiated and individualized3/ Achieve success in their learning, according to their own individual learning style.
Introduction to the iPads for Autism Education
Course Series
Children with autism learn differently and it is the view of many researchers and experts such as Simon Baron-Cohen (2005) and Temple Grandin (2010) that autism is not so much a disease but indeed a difference in learning styles. There is significant research that supports the use of technology for students who are on the Autism Spectrum as a tool to assist their learning outcomes. In the past eight years of working with students with autism I’ve discovered students who have distinct learning differences, but despite the difference students can learn.
We just have to find the door in to the way each child's brain works. Technology is a huge game changer for these students and it is important that as educators we use them appropriately. They should not just be used to 'tame' the student who is having a meltdown, or as a 'filler' when students can't keep up with the 'mainstream' work. When used properly, technology (specifically the iPad) can bridge the gaps for the students who have learning differences; and can be utilized to differentiate lessons like never before.
I hope you have enjoyed this
presentation. I look forward to
hearing your feedback.
