iPad may help children with autism

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers say iPads may aid learning among preschool children with autism.

Researchers at Nova Southeastern University's Mailman Segal Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., have started a program to supply new iPads to the university's Baudhuin Preschool -- a provider of services to children with autism spectrum disorders.

"Autism is a lifelong disability that affects the way children communicate and relate to others and the world around them," Roni Leiderman, dean of the institute said in a statement. "We are grateful for the incredible generosity and support of our donors, who are responsible for the success of this initiative."

The preschool's 18 classrooms will be equipped in 2011 with iPads -- tablet computers made by Apple -- with applications, like Proloquo2Go, designed for those with special needs.

The researchers say the iPads will be used to provide an alternative means of communication with teachers for children with communication challenges.