GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY -- It could be the wave of the future when it comes to teaching students with Autism.
"I believe that the iPads help the student in the classroom not only to work independently but with their peers," says special education at Old Mission Elementary, Theresa LaDuke
LaDuke has been using iPads for the past several months to teach her students who have autism spectrum disorder. In 2011, The Traverse City Area Public Schools district started the pilot program "iPads for Autism" that provides the hands on technology for students with autism.
"Each child has a different app on their iPad to their ability. I can teach a skill and there will be an app that specifically targets that skill that they can reinforce independently at a work station or into a general education classroom," says LaDuke.
Working closely with the students, LaDuke understands their special needs and says the technology is critical.
"They have a tough time with their motor skills, so for them to sit down and write is tough but if you use the apps you can manipulate characters to tell their story instead of having them write," says LaDuke.
Brandy Wheeler understands Autism first hand. Her nine year old son has the disorder, so she's also trying to expand the TCAPS pilot program.
"TCAPS started the pilot program in early 2011 and choose nine students at the time. My goal would be to have an iPad in the hands of every child with Autism that can benefit from that," says Wheeler.
Wheeler created a scavenger hunt in downtown Traverse City, all to raise awareness for Autism and funds for more iPads in the school district.
"In children with Autism, they're drawn to technology magnetically, so if we can use technology to communicate with these children and to get information out of them and that's beneficial," says Wheeler.
There are about 120 students with Autism in TCAPS and only 20 iPads are available. That's something teachers like LaDuke are hoping to change.
"I would hope that every student would be able to access the iPad and I really think it gives them a sense of independence. I feel like it's more acceptable and also helps them work with their peers so also social acceptance," says LaDuke.
For information about the iPads for Autism scavenger hunt or to donate money for the TCAPS program, click here.
