iDevBooks math apps in the REMLE Project study

Dear Esa Helttula,

This letter is to provide proof of iOS app use in The REMLE Project: A study utilizing the iPad with families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Prior to implementation of the research study, an arduous process of evaluating iOS apps that were aligned with evidenced-based practices that had been used both inside and outside of a technological framework for autism spectrum disorder interventions took place. Your application's capabilities for individualization and adaptability based on familial needs, which is important for intensive interventioning, was aligned with the best practices family empowerment model I suggested and, as such, was included in the research study. I am happy to inform you that the results that we uncovered were astounding and showed that access to apps like yours that adhere to evidence-based practices are effective in treating the triad of impairments.

As such, your apps: Column Addition, Column Division, Column Subtraction, Everyday Column-Addition, Fraction Math, Grid Multiplication, Lattice Multiplication, Left-to-Right Subtraction, Long Division, Long Multiplication, Opposite-Change Addition, Partial Differences Subtraction, Partial Products Multiplication, Partial Quotients Division, Partial Sums Addition, Same-Change Subtraction, and Trade-First Subtraction are certified by The REMLE Project to adhere to evidence-based practices and, based on the results of the study, effective in treatment of the triad of impairments. An official app list is available on The REMLE Project Website (www.theremleproject.org).

Thank you for allowing your app to be used in this study!

For a copy of the study or for more information on how to purchase it along with videos used in the program, please visit http://bit.ly/TRPdissertation and search with ONE of the following criteria:

• Search terms: The REMLE Project
• Author: Vasquez-Terry
• Title: The REMLE Project
• UMI Publication Number: 3565700

Study Description

The purpose of this study was to develop a best practices model for using the iPad as an assistive technology device with families of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Implementation of a double-blind, randomized control trial during a six-week intervention utilizing the iPad was measured for effectiveness in empowerment, social validity, and response to intervention. Statistical analyses found the intervention to be significantly successful in treating the triad of impairments as well as empowering and socially valid to families. It is recommended, through analysis of the data, that iOS applications are evaluated to adhere to evidence-based practices and training be provided to families who plan to use the iPad to promote positive impacts on the triad of impairments.

Implications and Recommendations:

The implications of this study include providing research backing for the iPad as an assistive technology device that can be used in both home and educational environments as well as backing for quality evidence-based applications that help treat the triad of impairments. In the Autism community, the results of this study might translate into medical coverage for devices and funding by school districts after an AT assessment. This study also backs the IDEA Services definition, which requires training for all stakeholders who use these devices. This study provided information on the type of training that was more cost effective and effective in treating the triad of impairments. Although there were significant findings that helped the Autism community better understand the iPad and how it could play a role in treating the triad of impairments, this study was one of the first studies of its kind. Due to the results found in this study, the community learned that there was more work to be done in understanding the iPad and its long-term effects as an evidence-based technological device. The researcher also acknowledges that families play a huge role in making programming decisions, but that they also should be open to input from professionals who can assess the quality of applications.

If further information is needed, please feel free to contact me at the information that is provided above.

Sincerely,

Dr. Teresa Vasquez-Terry, Principal Investigator
Founder & CEO, The REMLE Project