iCan!: iPad Communication Apps for Autistic and Nonverbal Children

The a iPad is undoubtedly one of the most engaging devices of our time. As applications and new technologies develop, students with more severe disabilities and non-verbal communication are able to be engaged by just the touch of one finger. In this video, Lauren discusses different iPad apps for students with more severe disabilities.



Applications that are available for the iPad: Duck, Duck, Moose (different interactive nursery rhymes), Magic Piano, Sign Language , Model Me Going Places (Social Stories), Yes No (simple program that allows kids to give an verbal choice of yes/no or program different choices), Sonic Pics (create your own picture story), Speak It (computer generated voice output system for words that you type), Tap to Talk (voice output communication device, not customizable), Pro Lo Quo To GO (customizable voice output communication device), SoNo Flex (another voice output communication app), Furry Friend (voice repeating application using a friend named Leonard), Little Sky Writers (Letter Writing app), and Doodle Bug (almost like Microsoft paint, students can independently draw pictures for holiday occasions). These are just a few apps that Lauren demonstrates in this video.

 

Lauren does stress that the iPad should not replace verbal communication. Teachers and instructors should engage in communication with students about what might happen in the game or program. Certain skills can be mastered on the iPad such as pointing skills, touching and swiping skills.  Lauren does express that the trouble with some apps is that it does not teach children how to generalize, as they show one specific picture and the kids will learn that all, for example, cats look like that one picture. Apps that allow to customize to the students needs and environments are much more effective than non-customizable apps. Finally, teacher can increase student's confidence and motor ability on iPad, increase child's motivation and then have them be able to transfer skills onto paper.