iPad Becoming New Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Patients
A surprising new technique is being touted as a way to help children with birth injuries such as cerebral palsy.
Apps for the iPad
The iPad and other tablet computers are helping children whose communication and movement skills are affected. There are now approximately 40,000 apps created for people with disabilities, helping to revolutionize the lives of those with special needs and the parents, therapists, and teachers who help them.
The touch screen technology lends itself particularly well to those people who have diminished motor skills since there is no keyboard or mouse to maneuver. Additionally, the large screen is easier to use over the pocket devices such as the iPhone or iPod.
“Touch has made it exceptionally accessible — everyone has an iPad…,” said Michelle Diament, cofounder of the disability news website Disability Scoop. “If you’re someone with a disability, having something that other people are using makes you feel like part of the in-crowd.”
Skill improvements with regular iPad use
Noah Rahman is a three-year-old cerebral palsy patient whose fine motor skills have significantly developed since he began working with the iPad.
When Noah was two, his language, cognitive ability and fine motor skills were determined to be at least 12 months behind his peers. Since receiving the iPad Noah’s parents have seen a huge jump in his language and cognition and now say he is on par with his peers.
For parents whose children suffer from cerebral palsy, the iPad is proving to be an affordable and fun therapy that provides real results.