iPad Apps, Autism, & UDL

What do they have in common?

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…struggling to communicate your feelings and needs to others or not being able to at all.

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…not being able to deal with a changing

schedule or routine.

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…being preoccupied by particular interests

and consistent, repetitive behaviors.

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…struggling to interact and build relationships

with your peers.

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…not having complete control over your

behavior and feeling unmotivated.

Autism Presents Barriers

Imagine…having abnormal sensory responses.

UDL Can Help

Universal Design for Learning guides instructional planning to provide all students

with multiple ways to overcome their barriers and learn.

How Does UDL Do This?Universal Design for Learning uses three

guiding principles to ensure a flexible approach that meets individual needs.

Provide…•Multiple Means of Representation•Multiple Means of Action and Expression•Multiple Means of Engagement

UDL and iPad Apps

Universal Design for Learning uses technology, such as iPad applications, to

meet specific needs.

iPad Apps Help Autism

There are many iPad applications available that have been created to help children with

autism.

Meeting in the Middle

iPad applications are used with the three Universal Design for Learning principles to help children with autism overcome their

barriers.

Multiple Means of Representation

This principle of UDL uses iPad applications that present information and content in different ways to reduce the barriers of

abnormal sensory responses, social interactions, and building relationships.

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

This principle of UDL uses iPad applications that differentiate the ways students can express what they know to reduce the

barriers of communication and changing schedules and routines.

Multiple Means of Engagement

This principle of UDL uses iPad applications that stimulate interest and motivation to reduce the barriers of repetitive patterns,

behavior, and motivation.

Research

Not much research has been conducted on the impacts that iPad applications have on

children with autism.

However, educators, parents, and many others are convinced of the positive effects.