To control access to things like Safari, the camera and the ability to install or delete apps, go to Settings > General > Restrictions and enter a passcode. You can also disabile in-app purchases.

For a more restricted, single-app experience, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access and swith on Guided Access with a four-digit code. Next, open the app the child will be using. Triple-click the Home button to bring up the app's Guided Accesss settings, where you can disabile the Home button, locking them into that one activity or restrict portions of the screen where buttons or search bars are located.

When usinng either setting , you just reenter your passcode to return the iPad to normal mode.

These iPads have been around for almost three years now, which is rather mind-boggling. Even though tablets no longer attract sideshow-level reactions with every mention, they are still wonderful tools for many autistic kids and adults, and exciting new approaches and apps keep emerging. I teach autism and iPads workshops all over the country (including a class at San Jose's Morgan Autism Center on February 9th); the following is a general outline of what I'll discuss, and my current take on iPads and autism.

Tablets: Tools, Not Miracles

• My initial response to seeing my autistic son kick butt using an iPad was elation, because he was instantly able to learn and entertain himself independently.
• However, tablets are not for everyone. Evaluate tablets and apps before buying.
• Tablets encourage presuming competence by enabling visual and alternative communication and learning.
• Competence expressed and recognized increases self-confidence.

Benefits: Accessibility and Convenience

• No cursor analogy -- direct touch screen
• Fine motor ease -- stylus/mouse not required (and switch accessories now available)
• So very portable (but invest in a good case, if fragility is a concern)
• Can replace backpacks -- and cupboards -- of activities
• App content is not static, contents updates are often free

Benefits: Learning

• So much more than an AAC device! (Non-dedicated device status can be an issue, less so with Guided Access)
• Screen is big enough to be digital parallel to paper or books
• Keyboard and screen are in same space, don't have to move eyes from screen to keyboard
• Apps are organized, accessible, predictable framework
• Apps break learning down into discrete chunks, topic areas
• Learn without needing to read, including read-aloud books
• Learn independently or with support (but always supervised)
• Incidental learning opportunities abound

Benefits: Social and Play

• iPads are cool, they attract other kids – including siblings
• Can support social skills, formally and informally
• Custom story apps allow preparing for transitions, routines, meeting new people – or re-experiencing said scenarios
• Face-blindness (common in autism): labeling and other photo-content apps can enable associating names and characteristics with people
• Independent leisure time: Learning activities, games, videos

Best Practices

• Evaluate thoroughly before buying: Tablets are expensive, apps are expensive
• Get professional evaluation for AAC apps
• Different systems work for different users
• If long-term AAC use is expected, do not want to re-learn communication system
• Get fully informed before upgrading, e.g., iOS 6 deleted YouTube app

Overuse and Abuse?

• What about reports like “Autistic Kids Obsess Over Screen Technology”?
• Autistic adults say “Yes, we’re visual and very focused, why not explore how to harness these traits productively.”
• Savvy iPad-using autistic kids can be experts, help other kids, mentor them.
• Makes me laugh, for kids like Leo, for whom independent is good!
• Valid concern for kids who crave screen time (evaluate screen time-limiting apps like Screen Time).

Autism, iPads, and Apps Resources

• iPad Apps for Autism spreadsheet – a collaborative effort with an SLP (Jordan Sadler) and an autistic adult (Corina Becker): 
www.squidalicious.com/2011/01/ipad-apps-for-autism-spreadsheet-of.html
• My iPad Resource page: www.squidalicious.com/p/ipads-and-autism.html
• Autistic Adult App Project: autisticapp.blogspot.com
• Eric Saliers, Speech Language Pathologist: ericsailers.com
• GeekSLP TV 
www.youtube.com/user/GeekSlp?feature=watch
• IEAR: I Educational Apps Review: www.iear.org
• Moms With Apps: momswithapps.com
• Jordan Sadler, SLP: www.jordansadler.net
• Smart Apps for Kids: www.smartappsforkids.com
• Surprisingly Educational Apps: list.ly/list/1Ge-surprisingly-educational-apps?feature=mylist
• Tech in Special Ed: techinspecialed.com

Great YouTube Video Clips on Augmentative and Alternative Communication - Webinar - Apr. 25, 2013

1. Mary and Marshall Special Assistance Foundation

2. MonTECH Financial Loan Program

3. Pass Plans

4. Internet resources

http://www.squidalicious.com/2011/03/ipads-and-autism-resources-fundraising.html

http://atmac.org/getting-ipad-iphone-itouch-for-communication?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+atmac+%28ATMac%29

http://www.wonderbaby.org/articles/ipad-funding-special-needs

http://itaalk.org/resources/fundingsources.html

http://pinterest.com/cmcormier/funding-resources/

http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2011/03/23/on-a-tight-budget-7-ways-to-get-an-ipad-for-your-child-with-special-needs/

Call MonTECH for more information (1-877-243-5511)

I’m going to share five applications for the iPad that will take the place of student supply lists, provide savings and replace dread with anticipation.

Notability

While some may argue that there are better options -- and free options -- out there, I find, along with many of our students, that Notability is the go-to application for note taking. One of the primary reasons I like this app is because of the workflows that teachers and students can create in order to retrieve, annotate and submit work. Plus, Notability integratesDropbox, Google Drive and Box drive. If teachers set up a shared folder with their class via Google Drive, students can access their documents, annotate them and push them back to their teacher via a privately shared folder. In other words, this is a big step toward the paperless classroom. Also, students can open PDFs from any website in Notability and annotate directly on the PDF.

A note about Notability:I would strongly endorse Evernote here as well. However, the connection between students and teachers in Notability, along with Google Docs and Dropbox integration, put it slightly above Evernote. One feature that puts Evernote ahead of Notability is the ability to access the application and features from multiple devices and platforms.

Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is one of my favorite applications for a variety of reasons.

Read more here.

Have you ever had a teacher ask you to show your work in a math class? Have you ever had the right answer but not been given credit because you didn't show the steps? If you haven't, you're lucky, because it's pretty frustrating.

If you're learning fractions, you don't have to worry about it anymore. Just download our app, the MVFractionsCalculator, and you'll be set. There are lots of fraction calculators out there, but ours is special because it gives you more than just the answer. It gives you each step in the process along with a clear explanation of what's going on. Now you can show your work and even explain it if your teacher asks!

Our calculator allows you to solve several types of problems. You can add, subtract, multiply, and divide fractions. You can also work with regular fractions, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. This app finds your common denominators, performs your operations, fully reduces the result, and explains each step along the way.

Find it here.