These 6 Great iPad Cases for Kids With Autism are the perfect way to justify putting a piece of technology worth hundreds of dollars into the hands of a child. I’m sure that I don’t need to tell you, but as a reminder: iPads and other electronic devices can easily be dropped by anyone … accidents do happen! So, for most parents of children with special needs, these iPad cases are a must.
The iPad and all of the apps featured here on Autism Plugged In won’t do your child any good if the device gets broken from an accidental drop.
Check out these protective cases, and then pick one – you’ll be glad you did.
Griffin Survivor iPad Cases For Kids
The Griffin Survivor iPad 2 Case is perfect for kids with on the spectrum because it turns your iPad into an indestructible piece of machinery. The company recently did a PR stunt where they started playing a movie on an iPad, dropped it from space, and showed that the iPad still worked after the fall. That’s pretty impressive. (Unless you understand the concept of terminal velocity, which makes it less impressive.)
The point is, you won’t have to worry about your iPad breaking with this baby covering your device. Griffin Survivor iPad Case is available at Amazon.
Details from Griffin:
Survivor is built on a shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame clad in rugged, shock absorbing silicone. A built-in screen protector seals your Multi-Touch display from the outside environment, while hinged plugs seal the dock connector, camera lens, headphone port, hold switch and volume controls. The included stand clips on, then folds open for landscape viewing and typing.
Big Grips iPad Case For Children
The Big Grips iPad Case isn’t as protective as some cases, but it’s sure kid-friendly enough for most. The thick, squishy outside cover helps with shock absorbance and with the comfort of holding the device. You can even buy an additional Big Grips Stand to go with your case – the case is $35, and you can get the stand and the case for $50. The developer offers discounts to educators! Big Grips is available at Amazon.
Description from KEM Ventures:
Yep. Squishy. As in soft, squishy, easy to grab foam. That means fewer slips, drops, and tumbles—and plenty of cushion just in case.
iBallz iPad Case For Kids With Autism
The iBallz iPad Case is a unique take on iPad protection – instead of protecting just from falls at certain angles, iBallz protects you from everything. Spills, drops at an angle, drops with the screen down, you name it, and iBallz protects against it. The iBallz are just $20.
iBallz are available at Amazon.
More from its maker, Friendly Integration:
iBallz Original is a shock-absorbing harness for Apple iPad (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation). Four shock-absorbing balls fit over the corners of your iPad and are held in place by an adjustable elastic cord.
Otterbox iPad Defender Case
The OtterBox brand name is automatically associated with being indestructible. I’ve seen OtterBox cases shot with machine guns on YouTube and still work, so if your kid can break an iPad in one of these, he’s extremely strong. We’re talking dangerously strong – Superman style. This military-grade case is $90. Otterbox Defender iPad cases are available at Amazon.
From OtterBox:
The Defender Series new iPad case is built with a high-impact inner polycarbonate shell that includes a built-in foam interior that provides additional shock absorption and protects the back of your new iPad from scratches. The rugged silicone skin absorbs the impact from bumps and shocks while the textured exterior provides for added grip. The built-in screen protector prevents scratches, smudges and fingerprints from getting on your high-resolution screen.
iGuy iPad Case For Children With Special Needs
Not only is iGuy an adorable iPad case, he’s not too expensive and is able to protect your iPad very well. Kids can drop him, throw him, or place nice with him, and chances are your iPad will be fine. This case is just $40, cheaper than some of the other more military-grade cases on this list. Another nice choice in the iPad cases for kids list!
iGuy Cases for iPad are available at Amazon.
Speck Products Says:
Meet iGuy – the freestanding foam case for the new iPad, iPad 2 and iPad original. Every bit as protective as he is a blast to use, iGuy is the perfect iPad accessory for kids and grownups alike. He’s lightweight, easy to hold, and he can stand on his own two feet, even while holding up your iPad. He may look like he’s all about fun, but his soft, squishy body disguises tough EVA foam protection. iGuy will help you feel more secure as you hand your iPad over to your baby or small child!
Gumdrop Tech Series iPad Case is Tough Enough For Kids
The Gumdrop Tech Series iPad Case is another cleverly designed iPad case that is very difficult to break. It’s easy to hold because of the rubber bumpers on the back, which also give it added shock absorption. A nice feature to this case is the ability to replace the screen protector. This high quality case can be had for around $60.
Gumdrop iPad cases are available at Amazon.
According to Gumdrop:
If you’re looking for the most rugged, durable yet ultimately affordable protection for the new iPad, you found it in the Drop Tech Series Case for the new iPad 3. Shock absorption, drop protection, extreme ruggedness and hard-core readiness for all adventures, the Drop Tech Series Case for the new iPad 3 specifically conforms to the shape of the new iPad and offers multiple layers of protection. This new iPad 3 case features a uniquely replaceable, snap-on integrated screen for maximum protection.
Dont forget to check out Gripcase-USA, it’s like a croc for your iPad and the Handel makes it easier for kids to handle, $40 all colors, easily sanitized. I added the zagg screen protecter to ensure my screen doesn’t get scratches
Thanks, Sue!
[...] hurled across the room because the music track in the background is too irritating for example.Choosing the right technology for your child is important, as is price and manageability. A smart phone is cheaper and smaller to hold, but [...]
Great article! The Griffin Survivor also fits the iPad 3 AND has a pretty good stand for propping up.
Thanks for the putting these resources all together with pics!
[...] audio is loud enough when played through the case?Here’s a link to where we talked about the Griffin Survivor iPad Case, if you don’t know what it is. Yes, this case is extremely sturdy, and yes, it is rather [...]
The iBackFlip Somersault has been being utilized by the AAC community for about 6 months now from the time of it’s introduction to the market and has been getting rave reviews.
Home button blocking case for kids!
http://addycase.com/
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here’s another unique way of protecting ipads and other mobile devices. this cute toy is both cuddly & cute for the kids and ensures my iPad is safe when they play with it
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/wise-pets/the-nextgen-of-app-toys-the-wise-pettm-family
[...] Autism Plugged In:http://www.autismpluggedin.com/2012/03/6-great-ipad-cases-for-kids-with-autism.html [...]
For all your British followers (though we do send overseas) please check out the tabtoob. Designed by a speech and language therapist (me) it is extremely light (227gram), allows your iPad to come to no harm when it is bumped, dropped or thrown and very soon will have its own carry strap, which allows you to have access whilst on the move. Ideal for iPads used as communication aids. Check out the videos on the website or https://www.facebook.com/tabtoob4ipad2
[...] Autism Plugged In – 6 Great iPad Cases For Kids, Because Drops Are Inevitable [...]
I bought my son the Otter and for the 3rd time he has managed to bust the screen its getting very expensive replacing the screen at $200 a pop.. HELP
Sorry to hear about your screen issues! Take a look at this video, which compares the Otter Box to the Griffin Survivor Case … you might find the Griffin a better match for your son. Good luck!
Here’s the link: http://youtu.be/IroEngPTqh0
Thank you that was very helpful.. I looked all over youtube and couldnt find anything like that. It was the perfect video for me situation. Thanks again you were a tremendous help..
Glad to be of help!
I have been really impressed with my Speck iGuy. I got one for my 4yr old daughter a couple of weeks ago and so far it has held together after some pretty rough treatment.
Heres the link:
http://www.cases4kids.com.au/
Neil
Glad to hear that iGuy is working out for your daughter. Thanks for adding to the discussion!
My 8 year old aspie is a biter… we bought the Griffin Survivor case for his ipod.. 50 bucks and week later the case is destroyed… and advice??
Wow … the Griffin Survivor case was destroyed? That’s impressive!!!
It sounds like you may need a case that has more of a hard shell (a bit more bite resistant). The problem is that a hard shell doesn’t offer quite as much shock absorption. You could consider a Speck Hard Case. Here’s the url: http://www.speckproducts.com/ipod-cases/touch/candyshell-for-ipod-touch-4th-gen.html It does have a bit of a shock absorbing layer on the INSIDE, but with a hard case on the OUTSIDE. You’ll have to decide whether or not it provides enough shock absorption for your child, though. Let me know what you think, and good luck!
Thanks so much …. I’ll look into that one!
Our 4 year old autistic son has completely shattered 3 griffin cases for ipads and 1 griffin case for ipod in 6 months. He gets mad when they die and throws them. The ipads themselves are starting to become damaged. Not sure if there is any case better for shock absorption. Any suggestions?
Hi Marc – I would try the Otterbox Defender case, which is also known as extremely protective – 3 griffin survivors?!?! Impressive haha
iAdapter 1-4 from AMDi. The 4th generation boast the most shock absorbency. It was made with children with special needs in mind.
guys can u help me? iam loking for the best ipad2 cover i can get i have a 3 year old autistic son and he just throws it round like a beast when it runs out of charge, im looking for 1 that pretty much bounces????cant find what im looking for plzzzzzzzzz help
Have you tried the griffin survivor case? As long as he doesn’t chew on it or try to eat it, it should be able to handle being thrown around – if you want something more expensive, perhaps the lifedge ipad cases would be a good fit
thank you so much
Glad to help!
It seems like the stronger cases are not made for the original Ipad. Any suggestions for the Ipad 1?
Have you looked at the Otterbox defender series case? Here’s an Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-Defender-Series-Original-Black/dp/B003TVWNAM Good luck! –Jack
The Koosh iPad Case is another really great case that fits all versions of iPad:
http://www.buzzcases.com.au/ipad-2-soft-cases.php?id=Koosh-iPad&Koosh-iPad-Case-with-Stand
We’ve been working on an impact protection system for iPad for the last year and we’ve compared it to the OtterBox, Gumdrop and iBallz cases reviewed above.
Its open for pre-order through IndieGogo at the moment: http://www.indiegogo.com/fullstop
@Jack we’ll send you one out for review once ready.
Hey Tom – awesome! I’d love to try it out
[...] provided it is handled with reasonable care. Accessories, such as bumpers or cases, can help protect the iPad from accidental damage. The iPad Mini has the added advantage of a smaller size, making [...]
Nine of these protect the screen, which it was is broken on these things 99 times out of 100.
I think the Griffin Survivor Case has a hard, clear screen protector on it … has that case worked for anyone out there?
We have 3 boys on the spectrum and whilst we swore by the Griffin cases previously, with meltdowns over Christmas we now need to replace all 3 screens on the 3 iPads. Ouch!!! Don’t know what more we can do.
We’re hearing this kind of story more and more often. Anyone have a better suggestion for kids who need more screen protection? –Jack
Gumdrop are good and my son has been using it for about 3 years now. So far, no major issues. However, another boy from his school has managed to “smash” the ipad screen 3 times now even with a gumdrop case on. I would imagine he would do the same with Otterbox and Griffin as they seem like similar construction?
This info for Ipads is all great and good, but there are millions of Android cases that need protection. Any suggestions?
Hi Drew – which Android device do you have? Griffin Survivor is great for a Kindle Fire; Gumdrop makes one for a Nexus 7 and so does Seidio. We’re planning to do a complete Android Case article SOON! Thanks for your comment! –Jack
The weak spot on our iPad is also the screen. My son gets angry and throws, punches, or stomps on it. We’ve tried both the griffin and the otterbox. There seems to be no way currently to protect the *screen*.
Here’s hoping that these folks produce their screen protector “Rhino Shield” quickly!! Check out this video of a project that just got fully funded on Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1081571316/rhino-shield-the-impact-resistant-screen-protector
[...] to purchase a case. If you haven’t already, look online for the most kid-friendly iPad cases or iPad cases reviewed online that provide insight into how good the case is (especially with regards to different age groups). [...]
I am looking for the best ipad2 cover for my 2 year old girl. How do you think this iPadding case? seems much better than others. http://www.facebook.com/ipadding4kids
hi my daughter and my self have learn needs could I get help with buying or getting a iPad 2 for us as I can’t afford one as am on a every low income and unable to work