iPads for Self-Regulation: Benefits and Risks

iPads and Self-Regulation: The Pros and Cons for Autistic Children

Devices like iPads have become integral to daily life, especially for neurodivergent children. For many autistic children, an iPad isn’t just a source of entertainment—it’s a tool for communication, sensory regulation, and learning. As with any tool, especially technology, the way it’s used can bring both benefits and challenges. This article explores the pros and cons of using iPads as a self-regulation tool, offering insights for parents to make informed decisions that align with their child’s needs.

Understanding Self-Regulation and Technology

Self-regulation is the ability to manage emotions, sensory input, and behaviour in response to the environment. For autistic children, this process often involves navigating heightened sensitivities or sensory overloads, which can lead to dysregulation. iPads and similar devices can provide a consistent, predictable escape or a calming activity to help manage these overwhelming moments. While technology can be a valuable aid, we need to consider its broader impact on a child’s development and overall well-being.

The Pros of iPads for Self-Regulation

1. Sensory Soothing and Predictable Escape

iPads offer a controlled environment, perfect for sensory breaks. Many autistic children find comfort in familiar apps, calming visuals, or repetitive sounds that help them regulate overstimulation. Whether it’s watching a favourite video, playing a simple game, or engaging with interactive storytelling, an iPad can act as a buffer in overwhelming situations.

For example, a child navigating a busy shopping centre might use noise-cancelling headphones and a preferred app to create a sensory-safe zone. This predictability allows them to focus on something they enjoy while filtering out distressing stimuli.

2. Communication Support

For non-speaking or minimally speaking autistic children, iPads equipped with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) apps are transformative. Apps like Proloquo2Go and TouchChat enable children to express their needs, preferences, and emotions, reducing frustration and supporting autonomy.

In moments of dysregulation, having access to a device that allows them to say “I need a break” or “This is too much” empowers them to advocate for themselves in ways that may not be possible otherwise.

3. Skill Development and Learning Opportunities

Many educational apps are designed with neurodiverse learners in mind, promoting language development, fine motor skills, and cognitive growth. For some children, the structured nature of iPad activities aligns with their preference for clear, predictable patterns.

Moreover, games and activities that incorporate problem-solving, sequencing, or creativity can double as self-regulation tools while supporting overall development.

4. Flexibility in Public Spaces

For families on the go, an iPad can be a lifesaver. It offers a portable solution for managing sensory overload in settings where other calming tools might not be practical. Whether it’s a long car journey, a doctor’s waiting room, or an unfamiliar social setting, having an iPad handy can ease transitions and reduce anxiety.

5. Encouraging Independence

Using an iPad to self-regulate gives autistic children a sense of control over their environment. This autonomy can boost their confidence and help them develop personalised strategies for calming themselves without relying entirely on caregivers.

The Cons of iPads for Self-Regulation

1. Risk of Overreliance

One potential downside is the risk of overreliance on an iPad as the sole means of regulation. While it can be a powerful tool, children may miss opportunities to develop alternative strategies, such as deep breathing, physical movement, or engaging with sensory objects.

Over time, an over-reliance on technology might limit their ability to explore other forms of self-soothing or adapt to situations where the device isn’t available.

2. Potential for Increased Dysregulation

Not all content on iPads is calming. Some apps or videos might inadvertently overstimulate, particularly if they include fast-paced visuals, loud noises, or unexpected changes. Additionally, transitioning away from the iPad can become a significant challenge, leading to heightened frustration or meltdowns when screen time ends. It is worth having a read of this article which touches on the emerging trend of Virtual Autism: The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development

3. Social Isolation

While iPads can provide comfort and focus, excessive use may limit social interactions. Autistic children who spend extended periods engaging with a device might miss opportunities to connect with family members, peers, or their surroundings in meaningful ways.

Encouraging a balance between screen time and other activities ensures children remain engaged in diverse experiences that support social and emotional development.

4. Sleep Disruptions

The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with melatonin production, the hormone responsible for sleep. For autistic children, who may already experience difficulties with sleep, extended iPad use—especially before bedtime—can exacerbate these challenges.

5. Cost and Accessibility

High-quality iPads and AAC apps can be expensive, and not all families can access these resources. Maintaining and updating devices or troubleshooting technical issues can be burdensome, especially for parents already navigating complex support needs. This is particularly an issue if your child regularly damages these. The Kindle fire for Kids is a brilliant alternative that has a two year guarantee

Balancing Benefits and Challenges

The key to harnessing the benefits of iPads while minimising drawbacks lies in mindful use. Here are some strategies to strike a healthy balance:

1. Establish Clear Boundaries

Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it complements other self-regulation strategies. Use visual schedules or timers to help your child transition away from the device without distress.

2. Prioritise Quality Content

Choose apps and videos carefully, favouring those designed to be calming, educational, or supportive of sensory needs. Test new apps yourself to ensure they align with your child’s preferences and won’t unintentionally cause overstimulation.

3. Integrate Other Sensory Tools

Pair iPad use with a sensory diet that includes tactile, auditory, and movement-based activities. For example, alternate between iPad time and activities like jumping on a trampoline, exploring sensory bins, or engaging in quiet reading.

4. Model and Encourage Alternatives

Teach and practice other self-regulation strategies alongside iPad use. Demonstrate breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, or the use of fidget toys, showing your child that there are multiple ways to find calm. Think of it like a toolkit and the iPad is just one element.

5. Monitor and Adjust

Observe how your child responds to iPad use over time. If you notice signs of overstimulation, difficulty transitioning, or excessive dependence, adjust the approach to better suit their needs.

Using Guided Access on iPads to Support Autistic Children

Guided Access is an accessibility feature on iPads that allows parents and caregivers to limit a device to a single app or control which features are accessible during use. For autistic children, this tool can be particularly beneficial in creating a predictable, distraction-free experience tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Benefits of Guided Access

1. Supports Focus and Attention: Guided Access helps autistic children focus on specific activities or apps by preventing them from switching to other applications. This is especially useful during learning sessions, therapy, or when engaging with calming tools like sensory apps or relaxation videos. It reduces the temptation of multitasking and encourages sustained engagement. We set the older iPads on sensory apps in the Sensory Room to ensure there was no youtube etc, and it meant we didn’t have to reset them constantly.

2. Minimises Overstimulation: By disabling buttons or areas of the screen that might overwhelm or distract, Guided Access provides a sensory-friendly digital environment. This can help children avoid the frustration of accidentally exiting an app or encountering unfamiliar settings.

3. Encourages Skill Development: Focusing on one app at a time can foster skills such as problem-solving, communication, or fine motor development. For instance, an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) app becomes more effective when the child can interact with it uninterrupted.

4. Customisable to Individual Needs: Guided Access allows parents to tailor settings to their child’s preferences. For example, if a child uses an app for emotional regulation, disabling touch inputs on non-essential areas of the screen can make the experience smoother and more predictable.

Suggested Uses for Guided Access

• Learning and Educational Apps: Keep children engaged with apps designed to support literacy, numeracy, or topic-specific interests without distractions.
• Communication Tools: Ensure uninterrupted access to AAC apps, making communication smoother and more reliable. This basically changes the iPad into a dedicated communication device. I would recommend if you want to use the iPad for communication do not allow it to be used for anything else at all, ever.
• Calming Activities: Limit the iPad to apps that play soothing music, display calming visuals, or provide sensory feedback to help with emotional regulation.
• Structured Play: Focus on apps that encourage creative expression, such as drawing or music composition, without the distractions of other apps.

Potential Drawbacks of Guided Access

1. Limited Autonomy: While Guided Access offers structure, it can reduce the opportunity for a child to explore and make independent choices. For some children, this will feel restrictive if not balanced with open-ended device use at other times.

2. Reliance on External Control: Overuse of Guided Access might lead to overdependence on adults to set up and manage the environment. Encouraging gradual transitions to self-directed use may help lead to effective independence, you will have to do this anyway as the child approaches adulthood.

3. Risk of Frustration (and throwing it!): If a child doesn’t understand why certain features are inaccessible, they might feel frustrated or confused. It’s important to explain the purpose of Guided Access in a way that makes sense to them.

Tips for Effective Use

• Explain the Purpose: Use clear, affirming language to help your child understand why Guided Access is being used, framing it as a tool to make their experience more enjoyable or focused.
• Set Boundaries Together: Involve your child in deciding when and how Guided Access is used, respecting their preferences and needs.
• Transition Gradually: For older children or those ready for more autonomy, use Guided Access less frequently over time to help them develop self-regulation skills.
• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously assess how Guided Access is supporting your child and make changes as needed to align with their developmental progress and preferences.

Guided Access can be an empowering tool when used thoughtfully, creating an environment where autistic children can explore, learn, and grow at their own pace while minimising unnecessary challenges. However, it’s essential to balance structure with opportunities for independence, ensuring the child feels supported rather than restricted.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspectives on Technology

It’s essential to approach this topic from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective, which values the individuality of autistic children and respects their unique ways of engaging with the world. An iPad isn’t a “crutch” or a “bad habit”—it’s a tool that when used properly can empower children to navigate their environments in ways that work best for them.

Rather than framing technology use as inherently good or bad, consider it as one part of a larger toolkit. By embracing the strengths of iPads while addressing potential challenges, parents can create a supportive framework that honours their child’s sensory and emotional needs.

Conclusion: Finding What Works for Your Family

Every autistic child is unique, and the decision to use an iPad as a self-regulation tool will depend on individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. The goal isn’t to eliminate technology but to integrate it thoughtfully, ensuring it complements other strategies for self-regulation and growth.

With the right balance, an iPad can be a powerful ally, helping your child navigate sensory challenges, communicate effectively, and thrive in a world that often demands flexibility and creativity. The journey to finding that balance is personal, but by staying attuned to your child’s needs and embracing neurodiversity-affirming practices, you’re already on the right path.

References:

Cardy, R., Smith, C., Hamshi Suganthan, Jiang, Z., Wang, B., Mahan Malihi, Anagnostou, E. and Azadeh Kushki (2023). Patterns and impact of technology use in autistic children. Research in autism spectrum disorders, [online] 108, pp.102253–102253. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2023.102253.

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