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iPads for Students with Autism

Karina D. Barley iPads in an Autism Setting© 1

Authored by: Karen D. Barley (Diploma Teaching, Graduate Diploma Education, Masters in Education) ©

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I believe iPads and their use in educational settings have incredible implications for learning and learning outcomes.

I trialled using iPads across the main curriculum areas in my classroom with students who have autism and there were significant improvements across the board for all students’ learning.

Research on Computer Assisted Learning or Technology Assisted

learning indicates learning outcomes can improve but we need more research on iPads & Autism learning of children with disabilities.

I wanted to see what this technology could do & was able to trial using iPads for one year. Within one term, I noticed significant changes in the classroom.

Why are they iPad so effective for students who have Autism?


Children who struggled to concentrate previously had no issue sitting & working with the iPad.

They worked hard, consistently & didn’t even realise they were doing ‘school work’.

They were motivated & eager.

Were able to tell their parents what they

were achieving.

Vocabulary & communication improved.

Behaviour within the classroom improved.

The iPad within the Classroom

This technology has extraordinary implications and its design, functionality and capabilities make it an extremely valuable tool for those students with Autism:

• iPads are small enough to sit on the desk.

• Using a case they can be tilted for ease of use.

• The teacher is able to sit anywhere and observe how the student is working.


The iPad within the Classroom

• This makes learning especially easy for those children who have fine motor or hand-eye co-ordination issues.

• It is extremely easy to individualise programs & have students working at their own pace & ability.

Students become more student centred & the teacher’s role changes from teacher to facilitator/mentor.


• Visually the graphics are fantastic.

• The interface, with the touch screen enables • almost any child to use this equipment unaided.

• The iPad is multi-sensory in that the children can physically touch the screen, look at the graphics, listen to the sounds and in many instances use their voice.

• There are literally 1000’s of apps that focus on all subject areas


The iPad Classroom is buzzing with ideas, imagination and learning.


As students achieve more success their confidence grows and as their

confidence grows they are more willing to attempt new challenges.



Using the iPad for learning for students with Autism & special needs provides for differentiated learning.

There is a huge amount of research that indicates that Autism is a difference in learning style.

Therefore providing opportunities to learn in a variety of ways, allows the student to achieve success.

The variety of apps and app types allows students to find one that suits their style.

Learning Styles


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