Tablet helps autistic learn, communicate

Updated on: Thursday, December 22, 2011

When New York-based Akshay (name changed) came down to visit his grandparents in Mumbai, his iPad was one of the most important possessions in the luggage. Diagnosed with autism since he was 18 months of age, the 10-year-old who speaks only a few words managed to communicate with his grandparents and visitors with the “magic tablet”.

When hunger pangs struck, for instance, the boy would move his fingers across the iPad’s touchscreen to scroll down to the picture of a dosa. A words-free message had successfully been communicated. The iPad is, in fact, emerging as the wonder tool for autistic children across the world. No wonder then, Mumbai’s parents and children too have slowly taken to the tablet. Last fortnight, the Forum for Autism held a special workshop on iPad’s many uses for special children at Umeed resource centre near Chinchpokli.

“The touchscreen makes it so much easier for our children as opposed to a keyboard or a mouse,” said Chitra Iyer, who recently bought an iPad for her son.

Incidentally, the World Wide Web has a wealth of sites dedicated to parents of special children on how to use the iPad effectively. The iTutorial not only provides parents with easy-to-use ways but also grades various applications. “There are over 350 applications suitable for people with autism, and in general for people with special needs, classified into 14 categories,” the website reads.

One of the applications, named Proloquo2go, provides a way for autistic children to communicate their desires and feelings. Another called Math Bingo is used to teach mathematics; the goal of this game is to choose the right answer for the sum and complete a continuous line in order to get bingo. Internet reviews said the site is useful to teach subtraction, addition, multiplication and division.

“One no longer needs to make or buy flashcards to teach words and emotions to their children. The iPad has it all,” said a parent who attended the Mumbai workshop.

Autism

Difficulty mastering certain academic skills can stem from pervasive developmental disorders such as autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Children with autism spectrum disorders may have trouble communicating, reading body language, learning basic skills, making friends, and making eye contact.

Tablet helps autistic learn, communicate

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