The increase of today's technology has improved AAC, or augmentative and alternative communication, tremendously. Assistive technology devices are now less expensive, more portable, and more efficient than ever.
Here is a great article on how technology (iPads specifically) can help children with autism:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/14/tech/gaming-gadgets/ipad-autism/index.html?hpt=hp_t2&fb_source=message
"Martha Herbert, a pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist at Massachusetts General Hospital of Harvard Medical School in Boston, said the iPad allows individuals to bypass many difficulties they have in communicating."