A popular gadget that has made it's way into the hands of consumers is assisting in the learning process for children who suffer from Autism.

Akron Children's Hospital's speech language pathologists say they're seeing results when using the iPad to communicate with children.

"The iPad gives them a tool that is predictable and it's stable, it's always the same, they know where to go, they know how to navigate it," Lisa Gonidakis said, speech language pathologist.

"They get that feedback without the surprises and lack of predictability that they get with people."

Gonadakis says she's discovering that children know and understand more than previously thought as well.

Speech Language Pathologist Stacey Fernstrum works with 5-year old Hayden. She says he's memorizing sequences on a device similar to the iPad.

Fernstrum says she remembers a breakthrough moment that brought tears to her eyes when Hayden shared that he loved her by tapping the "love" button.

Learn more about how iPads are helping children with Autism learn and exercise communication skills:

In terms of dependency, Fernstrum says research shows devices, including an iPad, can only help children learn to communicate.

While a number of new apps claim to work with child with Autism, Gonadakis says they vary in quality.

When children begin to learn "cause and effect" (the back and forth manner of conversations), Gondakis says using iPad apps are a good starting point.

"Visual attention, waiting and listening and being able to discriminate between what's on the screen and what they're supposed to do is really important."

(Gonadakis works with Aiden McKoski, 6, of Cuyahoga Falls, on the iPad.)

Recommended Apps:

• "Duck, Duck, Moose"

It's used to learn "cause and effect" and taking turns in conversation.

• "Starfall"

This app works on sounds, letters and pre-reading skills. Those without the iPad can use this program online at Starfall.com.

• "Find Me"

This beginner-level program challenges children through animated sequences with distractions.

Akron Children's Hospital is accepting new or used iPads or iPod touch donations. Those interested may contact Gonadakis at 330-543-8642.

A popular gadget that has made it's way into the hands of consumers is assisting in the learning process for children who suffer from Autism.

Akron Children's Hospital's speech language pathologists say they're seeing results when using the iPad to communicate with children.

"The iPad gives them a tool that is predictable and it's stable, it's always the same, they know where to go, they know how to navigate it," Lisa Gonidakis said, speech language pathologist.

"They get that feedback without the surprises and lack of predictability that they get with people."

Gonadakis says she's discovering that children know and understand more than previously thought as well.

Speech Language Pathologist Stacey Fernstrum works with 5-year old Hayden. She says he's memorizing sequences on a device similar to the iPad.

Fernstrum says she remembers a breakthrough moment that brought tears to her eyes when Hayden shared that he loved her by tapping the "love" button.

Learn more about how iPads are helping children with Autism learn and exercise communication skills:

In terms of dependency, Fernstrum says research shows devices, including an iPad, can only help children learn to communicate.

While a number of new apps claim to work with child with Autism, Gonadakis says they vary in quality.

When children begin to learn "cause and effect" (the back and forth manner of conversations), Gondakis says using iPad apps are a good starting point.

"Visual attention, waiting and listening and being able to discriminate between what's on the screen and what they're supposed to do is really important."

(Gonadakis works with Aiden McKoski, 6, of Cuyahoga Falls, on the iPad.)

Recommended Apps:

• "Duck, Duck, Moose"

It's used to learn "cause and effect" and taking turns in conversation.

• "Starfall"

This app works on sounds, letters and pre-reading skills. Those without the iPad can use this program online at Starfall.com.

• "Find Me"

This beginner-level program challenges children through animated sequences with distractions.

Akron Children's Hospital is accepting new or used iPads or iPod touch donations. Those interested may contact Gonadakis at 330-543-8642.

President Barack Obama's recent campaign stop and overnight stay left behind a bill that Fairlawn's mayor doesn't want going to the taxpayers.

President Obama's arrival and one-night stay at a Fairlawn hotel cost the city about $34,000 according to Mayor Bill Roth.

Roth says he's sending the bill to those who he believes should pay.

"We going to send it on both to the Obama campaign and to the Democratic National Committee," Roth said. 

"Hopefully we do get some payment, realistically it's impossible to tell."

The bill includes $12,000 in police overtime, along with manpower for set-up ringing up for the president's arrival at about $2,800. The city also had to purchase materials and equipment in preparation. Manpower from the city's fire department is included on the tab at about $5,000.

Roth says he's honored to have the President and any other candidate visit his town, but he reiterated that it's difficult to maintain the city's budget without advance notice.

"Regardless of what political party, if office holders come in or the present other office holders in municipalities have to incur costs, because of those visits, and they're purely election trips, then frankly I don't think the taxpayers should have to subsidize that," Roth said.

Previous Coverage:

Fairlawn Tracking Costs After President's Visit

Obama Tour Stop Hits Akron

Bond was set at $50,000 today for the Kent State student charged with making threats to "shoot up" the campus and KSU President Lester A. Lefton in a Twitter post last week.

William Koberna, 19, of Brunswick was arraigned in Ravenna this afternoon on a felony charge of inducing panic and a misdemeanor charge of aggravated menacing. His next court date will come with a scheduled hearing August 3.

Koberna was told to stay away from the KSU campus as well as avoid any contact with Lefton. In addition to the criminal charges, he also faces university sanctions that include suspension as well as expulsion from the University.

Kent State University officials were monitoring Twitter last week when they ran across a tweet allegedly posted by a student that allegedly made threats to "shoot up" the campus.

Today, social media websites create an avenue for users to send messages to large audiences and with that advantage, can come new consequences.

"What they haven't learned is that's a huge format and we are going to take it seriously in law enforcement," Tim Dimoff said, president of SACS Consulting, Inc. in Akron.

As police departments advance their response protocols for incidents in relation to threats, Dimoff says charges may become more severe.

"What you're going to see is faster reaction and you're going to see an upgrade in response from the police departments and the charges," Dimoff said on 1590 WAKR's Ray Horner Morning Show.

What may have been a misdemeanor charge, is now a felony charge in some cases according to Dimoff.