Talk about an iPad case for children with autism! The iAdapter, from AMDi, is quite a unit and packs quite a punch, though you'll have to shell out over two and a half benjamins to get the version that fits the latest iPad. But this isn't just a case, it's a whole package.

With the purchase of this communication device you get a stand, a screen protector, AMDi's resource CD, a thick carrying strap, all the instructions you could need and the iAdapter case itself. The case gives you dual amplified speakers that run on a rechargeable battery. You'll also get a USB cable and an A/C adapter brick that you use to recharge the speaker battery.

There are two pieces for the home button, and depending on which one you want to use, you place one of them in the little housing on the inside of the front plate. You can use a slider to conceal the home button, or you can choose to simply block access to it completely.

Follow up:

Why would you want to block access to the home button completely? One example would be if you want your child/student to use the iPad exclusively as a communication device. If they have access to the home button it only takes one little push and the communication app would disappear. So blocking access can definitely be a good thing!

If the iAdapter is going to be used in conjunction with the iPad as a communication device, the two amplified speakers will come in extremely handy. They're much louder than the little built-in speaker on the iPad! And, in public places, your child will need the extra volume. I was surprised how much louder the iAdapter's speakers were. Plus, they're mounted on the backside and they face away from the iPad so people can hear them better.

All of the iPad's ports, switches, and cameras are accessible while the iPad is sealed within this case. A panel on the iAdapter allows you to easily access the headphone jack, volume, and charging port for the speakers.

When you fit the iAdapter around your iPad you'll be using screws and a screw driver. So you know your child won't be removing this thing unless they have good motor skills and access to a tool box. iAdapter is on there until you pull out the #2 Philips screw driver.

I must admit, the case is not as rubbery as I had hoped and I have doubts about its shock absorbency. I wouldn't drop the iAdapter on a cement floor with my sons iPad in it. I'm not convinced that it would absorb the shock without either cracking the case or damaging the iPad within. If there's one shortcoming to the iAdapter it's that the case doesn't appear to offer serious drop protection. It's made of a nice comfortable rubbery plastic, but still, if I drop it on a hard floor it may need to be replaced.

Make no mistake - I believe this case offers better drop protection than any case you can find in stores these days. It kills any case made by Otterbox! And you can drop it on a carpeted floor and be fine. But it's my opinion that many kids with autism and similar disabilities need drop protection on another level.

The iAdapter is quality construction, even the plastic stand (which does not attach to the case) is thick and strong. The little rubber footings came off more than once though. A dab of super glue ought to fix that.

As if iAdapter doesn't offer enough, it's also mountable. Four pre-drilled holes are waiting for a wheel chair mount. Don't need to mount it? It's easy to get a firm grip on it with the built-in handle!

Depending on your viewpoint the iAdapter either gives the iPad a rugged, military look or it makes the iPad look like a special education tool. But one thing's for sure - The iAdapter offers super-duper functionality!

For the sake of being upfront and transparent you should know that I don't buy the products I review. Manufacturers send me samples. So I get the products and what you get is the non-biased, honest review of a parent raising a child with autism. If a product is no good for children with autism I will let you know!