iPads, iPods, tablets may help autistic children

The software used in this case is known as Proloquo2Go, developed by AssistiveWare BV. This is one of a growing number of apps developed for people with speech difficulties and available on the iPad. Such apps are also being planned for anticipated Google (News – Alert) Android tablets.Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, said that he […]

The software used in this case is known as Proloquo2Go, developed by AssistiveWare BV. This is one of a growing number of apps developed for people with speech difficulties and available on the iPad. Such apps are also being planned for anticipated Google (News – Alert) Android tablets.
Steve Jobs, Apple’s chief executive, said that he hopes the easy-to-use design of the iPad is the key thing that has helped children with special needs to learn the device more quickly. Interestingly, such uses were not part of the development of the device. Jobs is quick to acknowledge that the company takes no credit for this, but is excited that the product can be a key tool for those who need it.
Touchscreen products developed for children with these challenges cost anywhere from $2,500 on the low end to $15,000 for a device that relies on eye movements for people with paralysis to communicate. The companies producing such products tend to struggle with economies of scale and simply have a higher development and production cost.
Ed Donnelly, the chief executive of DynaVox, one of the companies that make devices for this segment of the market, noted that the iPad could be an alternative for only a very small segment of the people who need helpful devices.
The iPad can also help to remove the social stigma that is often associated with disabilities. Devices made specifically to help in speech tend to be bulky and call attention to the individual. The iPad is sleek and attracts attention only as a fun gadget.