Teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is not easy, but Dr Jenni Gous of The Key School and Michelle Lissoos of Think Ahead Education Solutions (a Core Group partner) are exploring the functionality of the iPad to make teaching these kids a little easier. The iPad and other tablets lend themselves well to meeting many of the specialised learning needs of ASD children.

Since 1973, The Key School in Johannesburg has been educating kids with ASD. Principal Dr Jenni Gous notes that it’s called Autism Spectrum Disorder because the disorder is unique to each individual, affecting each child differently. However, there are some commonalities. Says Dr Gous: “The common characteristics are an inability to socialise, and problems with communication. Fifty percent of children with ASD may never speak or the development of speech may be delayed, but you also get kids on the top of the spectrum with Aspergers Syndrome who are super-intelligent and never stop talking. On the spectrum, 70 percent of ASD children will also have cognitive disabilities, while the other 30 percent will be really bright. These children often also have sensory issues and selective hearing, sometimes blocking out sound because it’s too much for them. There is no cure for ASD, and no one knows what causes it, although it does have a genetic base. It affects four to eight times more boys than girls. It’s a very complex syndrome.”