Top 10 Best Autism Apps for Kids: Visual Planning Tools
Finding the right tools to support your child's development can make a world of difference. For children with autism, visual planning and structured routines are often incredibly helpful. This list compiles ten of the best autism apps for kids, focusing on visual aids, task management, and communication support. We've considered features, pricing, and suitability for different needs to help you choose the best app for your family.
Sederor — Visual Task Manager for Neurodivergent Families
Sederor is designed to bring structure and predictability to daily life. It excels at creating visual routines and task lists that children can easily understand and follow. With a focus on family collaboration, Sederor allows parents to assign tasks, set reminders, and track progress, all within a visually appealing interface. The reward system further motivates children to complete their routines, fostering independence and reducing anxiety.
Best for: Families with neurodivergent children needing visual structure and collaborative task management.
Choiceworks — Visual Schedules and Waiting
Choiceworks helps children understand and manage daily routines and expectations. It allows you to create visual schedules, waiting cards, and feeling charts, all customizable to your child's specific needs. The app is particularly useful for children who benefit from knowing what to expect and how long they need to wait.
Best for: Children who need help understanding routines and managing waiting times.
Autism iHelp — Matching and Sequencing
Autism iHelp offers a variety of matching and sequencing activities designed to improve cognitive skills and visual discrimination. The app uses clear, simple visuals and audio prompts to guide children through each activity. It's a great tool for building foundational skills in a fun and engaging way.
Best for: Developing matching and sequencing skills.
Proloquo2Go — Augmentative Communication
Proloquo2Go is a comprehensive augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app. It uses symbols and text-to-speech to help individuals with limited verbal communication express themselves. The app is highly customizable, allowing users to create personalized communication boards with relevant vocabulary and phrases.
Best for: Non-verbal or minimally verbal children needing a robust communication tool.
Otsimo — Special Education Games
Otsimo offers a wide range of educational games designed to support children with autism and other developmental delays. The games focus on developing essential skills such as matching, sorting, and problem-solving. The app adapts to each child's individual needs and progress, providing a personalized learning experience.
Best for: Engaging children in educational activities tailored to their specific needs.
First Then Visual Schedule — Visual Supports
First Then Visual Schedule helps create simple visual schedules using photos, images, and text. It’s designed to break down tasks into manageable steps, making it easier for children to understand and follow instructions. The app is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy schedule creation.
Best for: Creating simple, step-by-step visual schedules.
Social Stories Creator and Library — Social Skills
This app allows you to create and share social stories, which are short, simple narratives that help children understand social situations and expectations. The app includes a library of pre-made social stories and allows you to create your own using photos, text, and audio.
Best for: Teaching social skills and understanding social situations.
Model Me Going Places 2 — Social Skills Videos
Model Me Going Places 2 uses video modeling to teach children how to navigate common social situations, such as going to the grocery store or the doctor's office. The app features children modeling appropriate behavior in these settings, helping children with autism learn by observation.
Best for: Learning appropriate behavior in social situations through video modeling.
ABA Flash Cards & Games — Skill Development
This app offers a collection of ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) flashcards and games designed to teach a variety of skills, including language, social skills, and daily living skills. The app uses positive reinforcement and repetition to help children learn and retain new information.
Best for: Reinforcing skills through ABA-based flashcards and games.
Speech Blubs — Speech Therapy Games
Speech Blubs offers a collection of engaging speech therapy games designed to help children improve their articulation and language skills. The app uses video modeling and interactive activities to make speech therapy fun and effective.
Best for: Improving speech and language skills through engaging games.
FAQ
What are the key features to look for in autism apps for kids?
When choosing an app, consider features like visual supports, customizable content, clear instructions, and positive reinforcement. Apps that are designed with input from therapists and educators are often more effective.
How can visual planning apps help children with autism?
Visual planning apps provide structure and predictability, which can reduce anxiety and improve understanding of routines and expectations. They can also help children develop independence and self-management skills.
Are these apps a replacement for professional therapy?
No, these apps are designed to supplement professional therapy, not replace it. They can be a valuable tool for reinforcing skills learned in therapy and providing additional support at home.
How do I choose the right app for my child?
Consider your child's specific needs and learning style. Look for apps that address those needs and offer a free trial or demo so you can try it out before committing to a purchase.