iPad: efficacy of electronic devices to help children with autism spectrum disorder to communicate in the classroom

Resource type
Journal Article
Authors/contributors
Title
iPad: efficacy of electronic devices to help children with autism spectrum disorder to communicate in the classroom
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are known to have difficulty in social communication, with research indicating that children with ASD fail to develop functional speech (Lord and Rutter, 1994). Over the years a number of Augmented and Alternate Communication (AAC) devices have been used with children with ASD to overcome this barrier and to facilitate communication. This article examines an Indian AAC tool called AVAZ (meaning sound), which is the first of its kind in India. The project reported also looks at the effectiveness of using AVAZ and the use of iPads by children with ASD in the classroom. Additionally, the article examines the suitability of using iPads for all learners in the spectrum. Twenty children between the ages of 4 and 10 years were selected to trial the use of AVAZ. They received three sessions weekly of 45 minutes over a period of 10 weeks. The feedback of the special educators who trained the children was analysed. The findings of this small scale study indicates that the children preferred using the AVAZ app and the iPad to pen and paper. Huguenin (2004) too indicated similar reports in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing children's motivation to learn and communicate. The trainers felt it could be used as an educational tool, and many more educational concepts could be added. Research also suggests that ICT can be used as a tool to tutor for educational purpose (Means, 1994). The AVAZ app could be recommended to children with ASD who are included in mainstream schools. This study was conducted at Sankalp, a special school in Tamil Nadu, Chennai.
Publication
Support for Learning
Volume
32
Issue
2
Pages
144-157
Date
2017
Language
en
ISSN
1467-9604
Short Title
iPad
Accessed
04/03/2021, 13:39
Library Catalogue
Wiley Online Library
Rights
© 2017 NASEN
Citation
Sankardas, S. A., & Rajanahally, J. (2017). iPad: efficacy of electronic devices to help children with autism spectrum disorder to communicate in the classroom. Support for Learning, 32(2), 144–157. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9604.12160