New research from the University of Canterbury (UC) has shown that non-verbal kids with autism can use tablet computers successfully to request food and toys. Dr. Dean Sutherland, UC researcher, explained, “This is an exciting finding that provides evidence to support the use of these devices but we have some way to go to fully complete this study.” Sixty percent of the children they studied preferred the tablet as a way to communicate as opposed to PECs or sign language. Sutherland said their next step is to determine if children learn better communication more quickly if they are using a device they are most comfortable with.