I have a 3yr old autistic son

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I have a 3yr old autistic son

Hi, i am a single mom of a three year old autistic boy. My little guy is the best thing in my life - he is my world!!!!.. because of his illness, he doesnt like too much contact and pretty much prefers to be left to do his thing... he doesn't play with toys like most three year olds do and he doesn't talk or communicate very easily. Recently he used a touch screen computer at a special school and loved playing the learning games on it.. i was so amazed by his ability to use the equipment and at how easily he learned to follow the rules of the game... he actually laughed out loud at what he was doing.. i was so happy to see him playing that i went and got him a wii console with the money i was saving for a new bed (i figured i'll just manange with my creeky old bed for a wee while longer - it's worth it to see my beautiful lil man smile) , within a few days he had the games mastered.. and so i let him loose on my laptop and again, within no time at all, he's watchin vids on youtube and surfing the cbeebies website. I would seriously give my right arm too be able to give him an ipad... so my saving begins again ..( note to self - you used to love camping.. who needs a bed anyway - beds are so last year!!! lol!!!) I have managed to save a bit of cash but no where near what i need for the ipad .. just wondering how tough these things are.. TJ's pretty gental with my laptop and phone so if it gets dropped it'll be accidental.. What sort of applications are out there... are they easy to download (i am the least technical minded person on the planet) do apple do programmes for young kids? .. educational programmes? .. anything containing Makaton? .. whats the best stuff for my budding genious to try out? How do you go about putting dvds on to it? is it simple to use? ..how much can they store? .. simplify the jargon for me folks.. im so not good at all this gig and mega what-dya-ma-call-its..all over my head!! Any advice appreciated! xxx

iPad 2

Posted on May 29, 2011 12:53 PM

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Answer 1

PogoPossum

Level 4

2,509 points

May 29, 2011 1:12 PM in response to nic-tj's mom

Apps are easy to install, and there are many educational apps (not created by Apple, but 3rd party companies) that are geared toward the pre-primary age.

As for durability ... I'd be very cautious about putting this device into the hands of a three year old who likely would not understand the consequences of throwing or dropping it. Some people have reported safe falls from high distances, others have dropped them less than a foot and shattered the glass. All depends on how it lands. I'd certainly invest in a VERY durable case designed for extreme conditions as well as 3rd party insurance to cover accidental damage - I have a Squaretrade policy (AppleCare will not cover accidental damage).

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Answer 2

May 29, 2011 1:40 PM in response to nic-tj's mom

Hello nic-tj's mom! I think the iPad would be a super tool for your son. One reason I'm so excited by it's possibilities is that it accommodates multiple learning styles and has great accessibility features.

Add to this the great apps and interactive books for kids and I think the iPad is a device that can really expand learning.

I'll let other posters with more experience with children's use explain some of the features in more detail, but you can block applications and also prevent the use of the App Store for purchases.

You'll need a computer for set up and syncing, and as for DVDs, you'd need to put them into digital format--mp4 and others listed on the specs page, http://www.apple.com/ipad/specs/

As to size and type, my personal opinion is that the cheapest model, the 16 GB WiFi is plenty--as long as you are not trying to keep tons of movies on there at once. I have a ton of apps, pictures, music, audiobooks, ebooks and a few movies and tv shows and i still have 8 GB free on my 16Gb model.

Buying the cheapest model saves money for a good case. I'd look at something like this rubberized one:

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/reviews/entry/gumdrop-cases-drop-series-case-fo r-ipad-2/

And there are tons of other case options reviewed at that site, iLounge, in their iPad accessory guide.

For me, accidental damage coverage is essential. I use my iPad in a lot of high risk situations, including classrooms, and it would be hard for me to come up with $500 for a replacement. I got a 2 year accidental damage warranty from Square Trade for about $70 with a Facebook coupon.

The tutorials available on this site, as well as the user manual, whichnyou can download, will also give you a great overview.

Again speaking for myself, I consider accidental damage coverage a necessity. I got two years from Square Trade for about $70 with a FaceBook coupon. I use my iPad in a lot of high risk situations (including classrooms) and I wouldn't be able to come up with another $500 for a replacement very easily.

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