Hello,
I would just like to say that my son is on the autism spectrum and he is 3 years old.
And I bought the iPad primarily for him. The apps that are available on iTunes for individuals with special needs are invaluable.
Not only does the iPad provide an outlet for children / adults to communicate with others it also can help with all kinds of issues. There are apps to help with eye contact, speech articulation, and most importantly for us communication.
I am looking for an app or way to 'lock' certain apps so he doesn't accidentally tap them too.
So, before making statements one should consider that there are factors that would want someone to a)purchase and iPad specifically for their child b)realize that teaching a child with special needs is not easy and c) iPads are not babysitters but invaluable teaching tools and communication devices with those with special needs.
See articles,
http://www.tuaw.com/2010/08/18/helping-autistic-children-with-ios-devices/
iPod Therefore I Can: Enhancing the Learning of Children with Intellectual Disabilities Through Emerging Technologies
http://www.icicte.org/ICICTE%202008%20Proceedings/marks086.pdf
We are full aware that he could break it, so we are careful, but we have had ours 2 months and if it broke today it would be worth it and we would buy another one for him.
So, hopefully I haven't offended... you just never know what a person's reasons for doing something is until you have stood in their shoes.