Kids with autism are some of the most amazing people in the world. However, it is no secret that they sometimes take a different learning path. There are many ways kids with autism learn to interact with their environment in a way that works for them, and one of those ways is through apps. In only a generation, smartphones and tablets went from nonexistent to powerful tools for everyone. How can apps for kids with autism help them? In more ways than most people can imagine.
Communication
Communication is often challenging for these individuals, and apps for kids with autism have opened up a new world of learning and active communication.
QuestionIt
This app teaches kids the appropriate ways to use who, what, when, where, why, and how. It is best used one-on-one with a parent or teacher. However, it uses a color-coded system for easier comprehension and there are even pictures for kids who can’t read yet. A separate data manager allows you to assess progress in real-time to see where your child excels and where they can use more practice.
Proloquo2Go
This may be one of the strongest apps for non-verbal kids. It isn’t uncommon for verbal communication to be challenging for individuals with autism, but this app has found another way. In essence, Proloquo2Go speaks for the user. It has over 10,000 symbols from which to choose, and the user only needs to click the symbol for the app to speak for them. Finding a way for a non-verbal child to express their wants, needs, and feelings opens up whole new worlds for both kids and parents.
Pictello
Social stories are a helpful tool for kids with autism to experience the external world. Pictello is fantastic because it allows kids to create their own social stories. Not only does this help them to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others, but it also helps prepare them for situations that may cause overstimulation and anxiety.
Social Skills
It isn’t uncommon for kids with autism to want to be in social situations, but they don’t always know how. The apps for kids with autism help them with social skills and learning how to regulate their emotions.
Social Detective
Social Detective is a fantastic mobile app for kids that gamifies social situations. This app shows videos of social settings and challenges kids to figure out what is going on in those settings without having to be present. This practice helps kids better recognize social cues when they are physically in those settings.
Kloog 2
Kloog 2 was created expressly to help kids with autism learn how to make friends and better understand social situations. Kids play as a fun alien named Kloog as he works through different social situations on each planet. The only downside to this game is it is a bit reading intensive, so parents may need to be active participants, especially with younger kids.
Social Story Creator and Library
This app is fantastic because it takes the “it takes a village” approach to skill building. Kids, teachers, parents, therapists, and other members of the child’s advocacy team can create social stories and share them in the app so everyone is on the same page. There is also an extensive library of social stories, so one may already be built for your child’s needs.
Monitoring Progress
It is okay to want to know where your child is excelling and where they could use more focus. These apps will help you and your child better understand where they are in their learning journey.
GuessWhat
This app was created as an ongoing study for Stanford University. It uses AI to track your child’s interactions with you and other family members through games. You can choose to allow Stanford access to your videos for further study. This app is a two-for-one deal because it tracks your child’s progress and is a fun learning game they will enjoy.
Birdhouse for Autism
This app lets parents and teachers set and monitor goals for their kids. Birdhouse stands out because it doesn’t solely focus on academics but also monitors crucial factors like diet, sleep, and behaviors. When used consistently, Birdhouse is just as much about monitoring a child’s progress as it is about their well-being. It prevents things like over-medicating and keeps a record, so if your child is taking leaps forward or regressing, you have data to check to see if anything in their routine has changed.
First Then
This triple-threat app is simple to use but can go a long way in helping a child with autism fall into a steady routine. This simple app helps kids understand their schedule with a daily list of tasks represented by symbols. First, it helps kids know what they need to do, but it also helps them transition from one task to the next, which can often be challenging for kids with autism. On the monitoring side, it lets parents and teachers see that their child is staying on task and completing the tasks they need to succeed.
More Tools Is Never a Bad Thing
Technology is changing everything in our lives, which is a good thing for the most part. These apps are a great start to giving your child with autism more tools to understand the world around them and communicate their feelings. Another tool that helps kids with autism flourish is ABA therapy, which can be done in person or online in some cases. Contact us today for more information on ABA and how it can help prepare your child for the future.