Florida-based university's preschool offers iPads to teacher to help communication with autistic children

By Staff Writer

Officials from Nova Southeastern University's Mailman Segal Institute (MSI) recently announced the unveiling of a new program called 18 iPads in 18 Days, which is geared toward helping the learning process for children with autism.

MSI's Baudhuin Preschoolers who suffer from autism will be introduced to technology that will help teachers break the communication barrier that often inhibits learning found in individuals with the condition, according to college officials.

Children will be given access to iPads that are equipped with the application Proloquo2Go by their teachers, which is designed specifically for children and individuals with special needs. Officials said that the application is user friendly, features colorful symbols, natural sounding test-to-speech voices and a extensive vocabulary.

These devices will provide an alternative means of communication between teachers and autistic children who have difficulties speaking. Enrolling individuals with the condition in therapeutic boarding schools can be one way to help them achieve behavioral and academic success.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in 110 children are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder each year.