Health Espace

iPad, since its launch in April this year is fast turning out to be the coolest gadgets for parents of some autistic children.

SF Weekly recently profiled the Rosa family of Redwood City, CA; and the story of their 9-year-old, Leo in an article titled “iHelp for Autism”. The 9-year old who even though has “intense autism” has adopted iPad with great promptness and show a remarkable improvement in attention span, engagement and intelligence.

To me it looks like the reactive graphical interface keep the user informed what to expect when they tap or slide on the iPad is contributing to its popularity among autistic children. Their disability to decipher complex ‘human expressions and reactions,’ test their patience and frustrates them leading to bouts of unpredictable moods.

The article lists a few iPad Apps which are assist in developing learning and cognitive abilities for autistic children. Apart from that article I came across a list of useful iPad application for Autism and Asperger syndrome and a blog published by a couple who is raising a Autistic child.