By Lois Jean Brady, Author of Apps for Autism – www.itherapyllc.com

If you take my glasses away – I can’t read

If you encourage me – I still can’t read

If you give me a verbal model, I know what to say – but I still can’t read

If you give me cues or prompts, I have an idea of what to say – but I still can’t read

If you offer chips and skittles (reinforcers), I still won’t be able to read

If you test me, I will fail and be labeled illiterate or, worse, cognitively delayed

I may referred to resource or special education

If you give me my glasses

I can read!

Same is true for all assistive technology —

Glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and, yes, iPads are essential pieces of equipment that are used to increase, maintain or improve abilities. For individuals on the autism spectrum technology has become essential for communication.  The phrase, “I can finally see how smart he/she is,” has become a common revalation for parents and educators alike. The iPad is not only a means to communicate, but teaches literacy and many crucial academic skills like math and science.

“What we’re finding is that a lot of these people (nonverbal) have a good brain hidden inside, and technology allows them to express themselves… and I think that’s wonderful.”

-Dr. Temple Grandin

Research has shown that using iPads can increase communication, (Kasari, Kaiser, Landa, 2013) academic responding (Hart & Whalon, 2012), behavior  ( Neely,  Rispoli, Camargo, Davis,  Boles), social interactions (Hourcade, Williams, Miller, Huebner, Liang, 2013), and enhance learning opportunities for students with disabilities, (Cumming).

Since its release in April 2010, the iPad has quickly become one of the most effective, motivating, indispensible learning tools ever for those on the autism spectrum — and just about everyone else!  In the past few years, we have seen an explosion in what mobile technology has to offer for the special needs population. Apple has incorporated terrific accessibility features, developers have created a plethora of fantastic apps, and companies are producing accessories to meet the needs of every user. But, the most impressive of all, is the way this technology is opening new possibilities for the special needs population: many users are showing capabilities that defy our expectations. Non-verbal individuals are communicating; some are writing blogs, even books! Students who would not touch a pencil began tracing letters on apps and can now write not only letters and words, but sentences! Others are developing speech, becoming literate, acquiring social skills, and just plain excited to learn. As a matter-of-fact, many are using educational apps as reinforcers: they are essentially working to “work.” The iPad is so appealing, I have not had to open a bag of Skittles or chips in years — these are boring, compared to a new app. It has truly been an exciting few years.

Please keep all assistive devices well within reach of the individuals who rely on technology to communicate and learn.
Hart, J., and Whalon, J., (2012). Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities Vol. 47, No. 4, Special Conference Issue Research to Practice pp. 438-446Cumming, T., School of Education, University of New South Wales, rm 129 John Goodsell Building, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia

Hourcade, J., Williams, S.,  Miller, E., Huebner, K., Liang, L., (2013). Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems Pages 3197-3206,New York, NY, USA

Kasari, C., Kaiser, A., & Landa, R. (2013, November 12). IPads help late-speaking children with autism develop language. Retrieved August 2, 2016, from http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2013/11/ipads-autism-language

Kasari, C, Kaiser, A., & Landa, R. (2009). Developmental and Augmented Intervention for Facilitating Expressive Language. Sponsored by Autism Speaks, Grant 5666.

Murphy, S.A. (2005). An experimental design for the development of adaptive treatment strategies. Statistics in Medicine, 24, 1455-1481.

Neely, L.,  Rispoli, M.,  Camargo, S.,  Davis, H.,  Boles, M., (2012). Texas A&M University, United States Received 2 October 2012, Revised 12 December 2012, Accepted 14 December 2012

Schlosser, R., Wendt, O (2008). Effects of augmentative and alternative communication intervention on speech production in children with autism:  A systematic review. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17 , 212–230.

The post I Can’t Read Without My Glasses (an analogy) appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.

Contributed by IBCCES Board Member Lois Jean Brady, SLP, AT, CAS, Author, Developer, & Producer of Autism Today TV & Newspaper

One of the greatest things about today’s technology is that it has given educators and parents opportunities to connect with individuals on the spectrum in a way that books, flashcards and other traditional techniques never could. Since its release in April 2010, the iPad has quickly become one of the most effective, motivating, indispensable learning tools ever for those on the autism spectrum – and just about everyone else!  In the past few years, we have seen an explosion in what mobile technology has to offer for the special needs population. Apple has incorporated terrific new accessibility features, developers have created fantastic apps, and companies are producing accessories to meet the needs of every user. But, the most impressive of all, is the way this technology is opening new possibilities for the special needs population: many users are showing capabilities that defy our expectations.

Non-verbal individuals are communicating; some are writing blogs, and even books! Students who would not touch a pencil began have begun tracing letters on apps and can now write not only letters and words but also sentences! Others are developing speech, becoming literate, acquiring social skills, and getting just plain excited to learn.  As a matter- of- fact, many are using educational apps as reinforcers: they are essentially working to “work.” The iPad is so appealing that, I have not had to open a bag or of Skittles or chips in months – these are boring, compared to a new app. It has truly been an exciting few years.

I wrote this book to help parents, educators, therapists, and individuals with disabilities navigate through the mountain of apps and gadgets available. In this revised edition of Apps for Autism, you will see a considerable emphasis on how to use the iPad with your child or student from leading experts in their field. I encourage everyone to explore the apps and features to see what these “magical” devices can do. I have been using the iPad for over four years; my students have not only made tremendous success, but have also mastered operating systems, navigated apps, and developed an interest in technology. Students carry their devices with pride, not protest.

Apps for Autism is arranged into 39 chapters from expressive language and concept development to motor control and parental/therapy toolbox. It is my sincerest hope that I can provide you with the information you need to acquire an appropriate iDevice, find accessories, avoid common pitfalls and not only implement apps,  but more importantly give you the tools you need to search the iTunes Store to find apps that have the features that fit your individual needs.

More than a review of apps – The Revised and expanded edition of Apps for Autism has information, ideas, tips, and inspiration from the top experts in their field. Among the many outstanding professionals you will meet; Bjorn Jeffery (CEO of Toca Boca) who talks about the importance of edutainment, Jessica Solari tackles evidence based practices, Dr. Erik Raj tells us how to get your child to practice at home and Diane Bahr addresses dysphagia and autism.

Join author and speech–language pathologist Lois Jean Brady as she walks you through some of her favorite apps for working with individuals with communication challenges.  This is a free interactive, 30 minute webinar sponsored by My Special Voice. All registrants will receive the “Feature matching checklist” she personally uses to evaluate whether a particular speech app will be a good fit for one of her clients.

Webinar(s) are scheduled every 4th Friday on the month. For more details visit: http://www.ourspecialvoice.org/apps-for-autism

The post Good Read: Apps for Autism appeared first on Certified Autism Specialist.