Member Article

Autism Charity Appeal For Disused Mobile Phones

Parents of autistic children whose lives have been changed after receiving iPads are asking businesses to donate their old mobile phones to help others with the condition.

Sixteen-year-old Laura, 7-year-old Jack and 7-year-old Reece all suffer from autism, which affects social interaction and verbal and non-verbal communication.

To help them learn their parents decided to collect disused mobile phones and exchange them for an iPad from the Hearts and Minds autism charity. The charity sends old phones and laptops to China for recycling and uses the funds to purchase iPads.

Laura’s mum, Kate, said that “life had opened up” for her daughter since recieving the tablet. Jack’s mum explained that before recieving his iPad he had struggled at school but now “it helping with his school work and language. He really really loves it.” For Reece’s mum, Gemma, the iPad has made “a massive difference”, helping to calm him when he gets agitated and teaching him the alphabet.

It’s not just Laura, Reece and Jack who have been helped by an iPad. Studies have shown that technology can really benefit the development of children with autism. The repetitive nature of operating an iPad provides a comforting and motivational environment for them to learn.

Dr Sue Fletcher-Watson, from the University of Edinburgh, specialises in the use of technology in helping to treat the condition. She said the devices have been “revolutionary” in terms of autism treatment.

She said: “Normally children are rewarded by smiles and encouragement by family and friends, but autistic children don’t necessarily pick up on social cues like these. Communication support delivered on an iPad, especially for young people and adults who don’t have a very large spoken vocabulary, can open up a lot of independence. It can give them a sense of achievement and confidence.”

After witnessing the benefits first hand the parents are on a mission to encourage businesses to donate their old mobile technology to help other autistic children.

Gemma said: “For families with disabled children iPads can cost a lot. If businesses got involved by donating mobile phones they were replacing anyway, it would really help a lot of people.

For information on donating to the mobile phone exchange scheme contact Hearts and Minds director Ian McGrath on 07540 558788.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ryan Fletcher .