MARION — The iPad
is likely on many children’s Christmas list, but there is a debate over whether that’s the best gift for a child with autism.
is likely on many children’s Christmas list, but there is a debate over whether that’s the best gift for a child with autism.There are several apps on the iPad that are marketed for children with autism. Judy Lehner, a Marion resident with grandchildren with autism, said her grandchildren enjoy watching Disney videos on it and find a lot of terrific subject matter, including reading apps.
MyAutismTeam.com, a social network designed for parents of children with autism, recommended the iPad along with LEGOs, sensory toys, video games and gift cards with which to download apps and movies.
cards with which to download apps and movies.Kathryn Miller Dove of the Meredith College Autism Program said the program does not recommend the iPad, nor electronics or television games. Dove said in an email that the reason is “the isolation of social skills these types of toys bring. We encourage toys that are problem-solving in nature and can be shared by others to promote social skills.”
bring. We encourage toys that are problem-solving in nature and can be shared by others to promote social skills.”
