Similar to what was previously mentioned, if you say, "ok if you do a good job on your iPad today, then you will get to go to the playground." Or whatever reward you want to give to get him to value using the iPad. I am using this same type of behavior therapy on my son and it's starting to work.

The problem is not what he can use the IPad for because I purchase it myself so he can use it for whatever. However because I want it for a communication tool I haven't downloaded Netflix Disney etc, what I have is mostly have is pics communication, a few communication games, however because he cannot watch TV on the iPad he has no in Interest in the Ipad.
How do I get him to start using the Ipad for communucation?

Thanks

My son is age 6 and has been non verbal most of his life. He is still mostly, but is gaining more communication by the day this past year. We have used sign, PECS, and also finally had an AAC device (iPad) funded through the state/insurance. This is used for speech only and we have another device we paid for that we use as a reward/play device. The insurance/state also funded the speech application, about $300 otherwise. This took me a lot of fighting and time, but if you know what to do and stay on it then the funding is there and you won't regret it for your child. I've seen decreased agitation because he's able to communicate more fluidly, he can work that device better than me! Haha I've also seen his speech come alive. I was wondering if he would rely only on the device to talk for him, but no. It brings those words and want to communicate them out. If you need anything I'd be happy to help! Best of luck😊

I understand, but insurance did not pay for his tablet I wasn't aware they did.
Also have not allowed him to play games except some speech receptive language games and he's not interested in those either.

I agree with MyZett if it is for communication then that is what it should be for. Why he won't use it is another thing. Setting the expectation on what the device is for is important so he needs to know it isn't for watching videos or playing games. I would try to get some kind of reward system going so that if he uses it he gets rewarded and then as he gets more comfortable with it back of on the reward slowly. As for cheap communication apps, there aren't many, the one suggested above is the standard as to what is used even by professionals.

Just to add to this and give information on tablets. I manage a company that supplies DME to disabled people and in doing so I can tell you the main denial reason for paying for a tablet. The insurance companies often deny them because they are not being used as a communication device, and are being used to play games watch videos and listen to music. You have to realize insurance companies pay based on medical necessity and the only part of the use of the tablet that is a medical need is the speech aspect of it. We all may disagree but playing games, listening to music, and watching TV are a convenience not a medical need.

With that being said if they pay for a speech tablet they will also often pay fir the software as well because again it is a medical need.