The design of guidelines for teachers and parents in the use of iPads to support children with autism in the development of joint attention skills

Abstract

Children with autism have an affinity with technologies, which imposes the need to keep abreast of new digital technologies [1]. The benefits of mobile devices and interactive technologies in providing structure and predictability [2] and the vast variety of apps that can facilitate social communication makes it imperative to effectively incorporate iPads in the teaching of joint attention. Despite the increase use of mobile devices there is a lack of guidance for parents and teachers on how to use these devices in home and school environments for young children with autism. This study fills this gap. This paper reports on one of the final stages of the project, in which focus groups with teachers, parents, academics and children were conducted to discuss the development of guidelines on how to use the iPads with children with autism to improve their joint attention skills.