Hi - I am a public school teacher, and so I would like to address your question in order for you to understand what the district's response is likely to be, and how to obtain the necessary help for your child. The problem with requesting a specific assistive technology product is this: If the district provides assistive technology products, their response is likely to be that they already provide what your child needs, and an iPad is unnecessary. If this is their response, request a list of the assistive technology devices that they are currently using WITH YOUR CHILD (not just a list of what they have available). This can be a little time-consuming, but if you have an advocate, he or she might have done this for other children already, so check with them. If you do not have an advocate, check the specifications and services of each product and compare them with the iPad. If they compare favorably, just monitor their efficacy with your child. If they do not compare reasonably, appeal to the district with your list of specifications that the iPad provides. If they respond to that with a list of OTHER devices that they have available, ask why those have not been implemented with your child, and again request that they purchase the iPad, as you have researched this and your opinion is that it would work best for your child. You will have them at a disadvantage if they have devices that they have not implemented; be respectful, but firm. Good luck; please let me know how it goes!

I would think this would fall under assistive technology in his IEP in the AU section. Request an ARD to have this section revised, you'd have to have the commitee approve it. It may not be in their budget either though with all the cuts going on rapidly everywhere, if there's an Autism specialist there you could discuss this with it may help to have there input with your proposal.

I love the two above answers. They are exact and right on. Be very firm (but not disrespectful) and stay on it. Call or visit the person with the answer at least every other day. Let them know you will not stop until they provide your child exactly what they need.

check out loudmommy.com. its an awesome nonprofit organization that give ipad grants to children who are nonverbal. you just apply for a grant and if your kid gets chosen, they will send you an Ipad to be used as AAC. Trust me, they are great, i know this because they gave my son an Ipad on his 5th birthday! :-)

Look up free grants for ipads for children with autism. If your son's teachers can include letters of recommendations, it will help in the grant process.