Autism Center for Advocacy and Practice Demonstrates Best Uses of iPad Technology

National Louis University's Autism Center for Advocacy and Practice, in conjunction with Autism Home Support Services, hosted a workshop last night where experts demonstrated the best iPad and iPod Touch apps and approaches for children with autism.

Among the many topics that were discussed and demonstrated at the workshop included using an iPad or iPod Touch to:

· Adapt and share children's literature;
· Regulate sensory input;
· Provide support for transitions and behavior challenges;
· Toilet train your child;
· Teach a child with autism how to effectively communicate;
· Engage your child in pretend and role-playing games, such as playing house.

The workshop, held at National Louis' Wheeling campus, gathered a crowd of 60 attendees. The group included teachers and other school personnel, university students and faculty, parents and other family members of individuals with autism, and community service agencies serving individuals with autism.

"National Louis is well-known for a strong history in teacher preparation and the purpose of this workshop was to provide professional development to educators who work with children with autism, as well as their families," said Valerie Owen, Professor and Director, Disability and Equity in Education Doctoral Program and Co-Director, Autism Center for Advocacy and Practice at National Louis University. "Through workshops like this, we hope to increase the quality of and access to education and learning for students with autism."

The workshop presenters who demonstrated the iPad and iPod Touch apps were: Donna Wakefield, PhD- National Louis University Associate Professor, Autism Center for Advocacy & Practice; Jordan Sadler, MS, CCC-SLP- Director, Communication Therapy, P.C.; and Tamara Kaldor, MS – Director, Chicago PLAY Project.