The iPad and autism

There are voluminous articles and research on how the iPad helps individuals with autism from communication to academics. There are PECS apps that you can get that has the picture (I think you can upload pictures also), word and says the sentence too. At lease from what I've heard anyway. We don't have any type of tablet so we are definitely behind in technology. The iPad has been very instrumental in helping children with autism with speech and communication especially. I've been trying to get both girls one each through fundraisers, grants, etc. but no luck yet. We can't afford one ourselves. The Autism Speaks website has some great recommendations for apps. Here's the website.

If you do a google search for Autism iPad apps there are a lot of resources available. The iPad is on my much sought after list. So hopefully soon I can do an insiders look at how the iPad helps our children with autism. MJ is already very familiar with both the iPad and iPod as teachers and parents at her schools have allowed her to use one as well as the other students. I've never even touched one. That really bothers me since I have a Communications degree and all. Have you used an iPad with your children? How has it helped you?
Here are some website that assist in fundraising or grants to assist in getting an iPad.

Grant
 http://www.letschatautism.com/ipads-for-autism-application/

 Grants for iPads occasionally but also grants for emergency situations
http://www.autismcares.org/site/c.mqLOIYOBKlF/b.4745901/k.BD21/Home.htm 

Fundraising for an iPad
http://thepuzzlingpiece.com/    

iPad apps
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-apps