iPad® use in children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An observational study

This exploratory study was conducted to describe how children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently using iPads (R) and applications, to explore the role of education professionals on iPad (R) and application use, and to determine potential research needs regarding iPad (R) use in children with ASD. Naturalistic observations were conducted on six individuals (ages 6;6 to 20;8) with ASD while they were using iPads (R) in their school environment. The data suggest that (1) the participants used iPads (R) and applications for a variety of purposes, (2) there was considerable variability regarding whether or not the application was used consistent with its intended function, and (3) the presence of an education professional and the type of application impacted the variability in functional use of the application. Pertinent lines of research that are needed to expand the base of evidence regarding effective iPad (R) use in children with ASD are discussed.