{"id":1212,"date":"2018-03-27T22:36:34","date_gmt":"2018-03-27T17:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.serrendipforautism.com\/demo1\/?p=1212"},"modified":"2018-03-27T22:48:14","modified_gmt":"2018-03-27T17:18:14","slug":"ipad-as-an-early-intervention-tool-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.serrendipforautism.com\/hi\/2018\/03\/27\/ipad-as-an-early-intervention-tool-2\/","title":{"rendered":"iPad AS AN EARLY INTERVENTION TOOL"},"content":{"rendered":"

About Prayas: The inspiration behind the initiative.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Autism Society of India in collaboration with the Spastics Society of Karnataka and
\nwith the financial and technical support of SAP Labs, India, Private Limited,
\nBangalore has initiated Project \u201cPrayas\u201d: A Computer\/ iPad Training Center for
\nIndividuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.<\/p>\n

Autism Spectrum Disorders are very little understood in terms of its etiology,
\nthese are highly heterogeneous in nature. This situation leads us to look at it only
\ntherapeutically.<\/p>\n

In the recent past, technology has brought in lots of hope for individuals with
\nAutism Spectrum Disorders.<\/p>\n

Computers, i-pads, i-phones, i-pods and some other assistive technology based
\ndevices like Alpha Smart, go-talk etc. along with some software, have made life
\neasier for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.<\/p>\n

These solutions seem to be the non-threatening tools for individuals with<\/span>
\n Autism Spectrum Disorders; where we need to look at issues related to<\/span>
\n \u201cSENSORY- DEFENSIVENESS\u201d, exhibited by them.<\/span><\/h3>\n

These tools, if used meaningfully, through the earlier stages of intervention, help
\nenhance cognition, communication and thus social skills.<\/p>\n

Through these technology based solutions, we can look at various avenues of
\nemployment, these can be related to the Internet based activities, Data- entry,
\nValidation of Software, Development of Teaching \u2013aids like PECS, Social stories and
\ndevelopment of symbols through appropriate animation software.<\/p>\n

Through the project PRAYAS, 90 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders<\/strong>
\n will be trained in a period of three years, the age group selected for training<\/strong>
\n is 5- 18 years, the training aims at enhancing their learning, communication<\/strong>
\n and meaningful occupation by using indigenous technology-based solutions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This project also aims to empower the parents of enrolled individuals along with<\/strong>
\n monthly workshops on awareness related to the existing useful technology<\/strong>
\n based solutions.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broadly, project PRAYAS is working on the following issues:<\/h3>\n

Avenues are endless; Awareness is the key to success.<\/strong><\/span>
\n Affordability is a question; Development is the answer.<\/strong><\/span>
\n Accessibility is yet another question; Open- source is the answer.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Our selection of an iPad over other tablets available in the<\/span>
\n market<\/span><\/h3>\n

Other manufacturers have realized the accomplishment of this product and have
\nnow put out competing technologies that are, at least initially, being well received.
\nWe hope to one day appraise these models for our audience, but have had minimal
\nexperience at this point, so our first opening into touch tablet technology and those
\nwith an ASD will be geared specifically toward the iPad.<\/p>\n

The iPad’s larger screen has made this a particularly useful technology for many of
\nthose with special needs, and most obviously with those with autism. The iPad
\nscreen holds promise for reading, without eye fatigue.<\/p>\n

We selected iPad because it has a larger screen with quality visuals and graphics,
\nits easy availability as a device as well as the apps. We also find that some of the
\nfeatures are very easy to use and navigate. For many applications we can get instant
\nfeedback and tasks can be repeated to reinforce the concepts.<\/p>\n

The skills and knowledge imparted with the help of the iPad<\/span><\/h3>\n

Through this programme, we are trying to establish the pre-requisites for the 3Rs;
\nReading, Writing and Arithmetic, learn social skills through games by turn taking
\nand meaningful occupation.
\nThe other part of the programme deals with Computer Training; this will lead to
\ndeveloping skills related to employment.<\/p>\n

The iPad apps: How helpful and why?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Touch screen technology has been around since the early 1970’s. It has evolved
\nfrom kiosks in airport terminals to personal digital assistant with styluses. Its
\ncurrent structure has brought it to the home user in the form of smart phones and
\ntablets. The most trendy and in style, has been the iPad.<\/span><\/p>\n

The iPad was first made available for sale in April 2010. We have received 6 iPads
\nas donations by SAP Labs India Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore in June 2011.<\/p>\n

Our experience with iPad usage has been only around six months but we can say it
\nwith lot of confidence that we find iPad apps very useful for the early intervention,
\ncommunication for non-verbal ASD individuals and leisure time activities through
\nvarious interesting games.<\/p>\n

The reasons for stating this are many;<\/p>\n