As it's an obsession, it's more like an addiction. He's not deliberately disobedient, he's helpless bcoz of his obsession. And just like any addiction, there's going to be withdrawal symptoms which are most difficult to overcome. The only solution will come once the I- pad gets spoiled or stops working. That way u don't keep gadgets nearby. Since the addiction is to keep something moving in front of him, if u get the I pad out, he may turn to mobile, computer, video games or even the TV.
Try and understand that this gadget gives a sense of power and control to kids, esp those kind of kids who feel constraint and literally under a radar by their parents or peers or teachers. That's why they withdraw in that cocoon tht the I pad provides. By taking away the gadgets u will push him away further into being a recluse.
So along with slowly tapering him off the I pad u also need to give him some channels where he can feel in control. Hence try sports, chess or pottery class. If he likes to dance, let him join some classes that teach him salsa, jive, hip hop etc. Teach him a musical instruments. The idea is to get him busy so that he can only have an hour or so on the I pad. Hope it works.
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