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Tuesday, 16 February 2016

David's iPad, an alternative to parenting?

David's iPad - an alternative to parenting?

I think if I told some people how long my son can play or should I say, is allowed to play, on his iPad I'd get strange looks. I know if I told people he spent hours everyday on it I'd be judged. This post has been updated, please read the rest here.

13 comments:

  1. Mary @over40andamumtoone17 February 2016 at 12:09

    We can all be guilty of making snap judgements of others but it's great to hear the iPad working for him is a number of scenarios - if it works for you guys then that's all that matters #SSAA

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    1. Ann Hickman19 February 2016 at 14:00

      You are so right -I've made a lot less snap judgements since the kids were diagnosed with autism. I started understanding things aren't always as they appear!

      Delete
  2. Spectrum Mum17 February 2016 at 22:57

    ignore those small minded people they aren't worth our time. My son also has too long on his computer but he is less stressed.

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    1. Ann Hickman19 February 2016 at 14:01

      Indeed. Autism is stressful for those who have ASD too. If an iPad relieves this, that's a good thing!

      Delete
  3. Stephs Two Girls19 February 2016 at 05:57

    Brilliant post, I'm so with you on this. Our girl doesn't need it quite as much, but I'd let her have it if she did and I felt it was beneficial. I still get way too many comments about how much I let her watch the ipad. She would not sit and read a book though, but she will read off the screen, so it has been an invaluable learning tool for us x

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    1. Ann Hickman19 February 2016 at 14:03

      That's really interesting how she engages with books on screen. I will remember that! Thanks for comment ing!

      Delete
  4. Laura - Laura's Lovely Blog19 February 2016 at 11:25

    It's hard for me to comment as neither of my children have autism. I am quite anti-ipads for children as I prefer mine to play, get out etc. But as I say they do not have autism and I think if it helps your child process and cope then it's a completely different thing and am glad it helps #thelist

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    1. Ann Hickman19 February 2016 at 14:05

      Thanks Laura. I think you are right, it's more about understanding that not everyone can parent the same way, and for a variety of reasons not just autism. Thanks for commenting!

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  5. Anonymous21 February 2016 at 01:45

    It's whatever works for him. My son has learning disabilities, he loves his tablet. He watches youtube and he's singing along with Bear in the Big Blue house, joining in with the episodes and so on. I have him my phone yesterday in a restaurant to keep him calm whilst we waited for our food. If other people don't like it well tough!

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  6. Stories About Autism22 February 2016 at 15:01

    The iPad works great for both my boys too, and they both use it in different ways. There are times where I feel guilty, that they might use it too much, but as you point out there are so many good reasons to let them use it too.
    Very good post, helped me feel a little better about myself too :-)
    #SpectrumSunday

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  7. Jane - Our Little Escapades23 February 2016 at 10:56

    We got Ethan his iPad when he was two and a half, we were going on a long haul flight and wanted to take with us his Winnie The Pooh movie obsession. Since then the iPad has never left his side. Do I have guilt over the amount of time he is on it, of course. But I know that through the iPad Ethan has learnt his numbers, letters colours etc. I had a three year old non-verbal boy that could name most of the magnetic letters on the fridge! I know that when Ethan comes home from school the iPad helps him unwind. I honestly don't know what people did before iPads were around.

    Thanks for linking up with Small Steps Amazing Achievements :0)
    x

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  8. Someone's Mum (Danielle)23 February 2016 at 14:05

    Oh goodness I relate to this so much. Mine is only 3 and has a leapfrog leappad - which he will lay on for actual hours. I am actually impressed that any 3 year old, let alone an autistic one, has that attention span. But I worry, just like you. I completely agree with everything you say about it. It provides him with all the input/routine etc he needs and he really loves it. But the mummy guilt about letting so small a child use it for so long is really difficult. I don't know what to do for the best. I imagine it won't be long until he wants to upgrade to a proper tablet. On balance, I think he needs it and I am happy to let him use it a lot, with a few strict rules.It can be really tough sticking to them though! #spectrumsunday

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  9. Unknown5 March 2016 at 12:04

    I whole heartedly support your decision to allow David so much time on the tablet. Hayden gets so many benefits out of our iPad, and the only reason I limit him is to stop the arguments between him and Ellis (I need to get Ellis' tablet fixed) it also calms him down in the evening on the bedtime wind down. Thank you for linking up to #spectrumsunday lovely, hope you join me again this week xx

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I read all your comments and appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me and our readers. I welcome any feedback on my posts and you can always contact me directly. Thank you.

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