April is Autism Awareness Month and serves as an important reminder to us all about the huge impact of this disorder and how its rising numbers are reaching epidemic levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its estimate of autism prevalence in the United States to 1 in 88 children (1 in 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls). This number represents a 78 percent increase in autism over the previous five years. While these numbers are very discouraging, there is some hope on the horizon with new therapies and research. One treatment method that has seen some success in recent years is the use of new technologies such as the iPad and other tablet-type devices in helping non-verbal Autistic children communicate and enhance their speech skills.
Children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have many challenges ranging from intellectual and social disabilities to motor coordination difficulties. One common symptom among individuals on the autism spectrum is limitation of verbal communication. Enhancing communication skills of autistic kids is an area that the iPad has a distinct advantage over traditional computers because of the interactivity of the touch screen, its portability and the variety of specially-designed apps available. There have been many stories in the news (including a recent segment on the CBS News show 60 Minutes) about the iPad helping to open up a whole new world of communication to previously non-verbal Autistic kids. While much of the "buzz" about therapeutic effectiveness of tools such as the iPad is anecdotal, there are a number of researchers investigating this relatively new phenomenon. Dr. Rhonda McEwan, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, is researching the use of iPod and iPad devices by non-verbal autistic children for communication in a school setting. McEwen says that so far, her research supports putting iPads in classrooms with autistic children and that the teachers are finding them very useful across a range of subjects.
Naturally, with the popularity of the iPad and its use in therapeutic and educational settings, there is a wide variety of education apps flooding the marketplace. The key is to find good quality apps that have been reviewed by qualified professionals. One resource to find high-quality free and discounted special education apps is techinspecialed.com. The iTaalk (interactive technology assisting autistic little kids) Foundation has a comprehensive list of apps on their website called The iTaalk Top 30: Educational Apps to Get You Started, and All for Under $50! Another great source for Autism apps can be found on the Autism Speaks!
Although there is a lot of excitement surrounding the use of the iPad and other new technologies in helping autistic kids, it is important to remember there is no easy or magic solution to this devastating disorder. It will take years of research and hard work to help unravel the many mysteries of ASD. Meanwhile, parents and therapists can do their part by helping to raise awareness about ASD, by spreading the word about promising new therapies and most of all, by supporting and reaching out to one another.
Rachel Huber,
and
Hulet Smith, OT
