Having a child with autism can mean having a child that may need extra support with daily tasks. Thankfully, in the world of technology we live in today, there are resources parents can use to be the best parents they can be for their children. Resources range from reading books to going to ABA therapy and from watching videos online to using autism apps. Here are the best mobile apps you can start using to boost your child’s skills and ultimately improve lives for everyone:
For Nonverbal Kids
As you may know, autism ranges in various levels among children. Some struggle with communication skills in general, while others may be more verbal. These are the best mobile apps available for autistic children that struggle with communication.
Language and Cognitive Therapy for Children (MITA)
This app is available on both Android and iOS, has a 4.6 rating, and it has over 100,000 downloads! The app offers unlimited cognitive exercises for children with speech delays. With simple vocabulary and higher forms of language activities, adaptive activities, numerous feature levels, playtime rewards, and offline viewing, this app is truly one of the greatest. It is an early intervention app that follows a systemic approach that will improve the overall development of the child. Additionally, this app has passed through clinical studies, meaning that this is one of the few apps that is supported by clinical data. The study was a 3-year clinical trial of 6,454 children with autism, and the results demonstrated that those who trained with MITA improved their language score at the end of the trial on average 2.2 times more. If you read what parents have to say about this app, you will find everyone is seeing improvement in their children!
Symbotalk
This free app is used by therapists and psychologists to enhance communication with children with autism. Available on both Android and iOS, it has a 4.3 rating over 5, and it has over 10,000 downloads. With the ability to have multiple devices active, flexible boards and sub-boards for communication, and augmentative and alternative communication systems, this app is among the best to help children become verbal (or more verbal). Symbotalk facilitates communication for your child . By clicking on symbols, images, and, or icons, the app simply talks to help children associate images and symbols with sounds. A unique feature of this app is the fact that you can upload any images you have on your mobile, helping your children further associate things they see every day with speech. If the words the app has for each image or icon do not work with the particular way you speak, you can also record your own and connect that recording with each image. That way, your child also hears your voice while learning.
Proloquo2Go
This is an award-winning app that supports symbols in communication, which provides a voice to hundreds of thousands of children who are unable to speak. It is currently only available for Apple devices (Mac computers and iOS devices), and it’s a little pricey at $249. It is an intuitive app designed to help children express complex ideas that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to convey. It is highly recommended by specialists, doctors, and therapists for children with autism that struggle with speech and communication. It promotes the growth and development of communication skills through research-based vocabularies. With simplified and universal symbols, as well as synthetic voices and helpful tools, Proloquo2Go is definitely one of the best apps out there for nonverbal children. Some of the key features include configurable grammar such as nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives, as well as learning core words through related physical movements. The app is great for enhancing the ability to transition between vocabulary levels as the child’s skills grow.
Leeloo
This is an app designed to help any kid struggling with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Leeloo wants kids to be able to communicate with friends, teachers, and, more importantly, parents. The app was developed using ACC (Augmentative and Alternative Communications) using PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) principles. It is available for Android and iOS. This free app is not limited to children with ASD . It is useful for anyone with speech delay. But, specifically, the app can be particularly useful for kids with autism and Down syndrome, as well as cerebral palsy, aphasia, and speech apraxia. The way the app works is by using cards for every word that your child might need to use daily. Every card is matched with an image of the phrase or word your child is trying to convey. Additionally, once the card is pressed, it will reveal various options of phrases. When a kid chooses one, the app will read it with any voice you want. Leeloo offers ten different voices! The cards used have been tested for preschool and for kids who are currently attending school. And the app is not limited to kids. Adults who are struggling to communicate are able to use it as well.
Reaching Excellent Behaviors
There are several apps created especially for children with autism that are designed to either analyze their behavior or improve skills like focus and attention, reading and writing, and memory. The four apps below are widely different, but if used accordingly and proactively, they can aid children with autism in gaining confidence.
Otsimo
Otismo uses techniques to help children boost their speech development as well as reach any desired behaviors. With over 50 games that can be personalized for every kid’s needs, and the ability to analyze progress reports along the way, Otsimo is one of the best apps in this category. Created under the guidance of parents, psychologists, and special education teachers, the app provides the necessary education from the comfort of your home. It is a great source of learning and entertainment for children.
ABC Autismo
This app is designed to improve learning in children with autism. Focusing on exercises that promote attention and focus while using over 40 interactive and colorful activities for kids to enjoy, this app is definitely worth a try. It is only available on Android for now. Even therapists and psychologists are using the app to evaluate children with autism and other mental disorders.
Autastico II
Autastico II is perfect for the improvement of cognitive skills as it focuses on motor coordination through fun activities and attention through high-quality sounds and music. It is only available for Android devices. It is perfect for learning and entertainment as it offers tutorials and the ability to create avatars for your child. With beautiful content and graphics, this app is one of the most fun and educational apps for children with autism.
Dino Tim
This app offers many games that include fun voiceovers to help children learn shapes, colors, and numbers. The app was crafted with a story to engage children that use it. Dino Tim and his family are abducted by some witches, and your kids are transformed into superheroes to rescue them as they play along against the funny witches. The app boosts motor coordination by helping develop attention and concentration skills through over 100 educational puzzles, increasing speed on children’s activities.
Mobile Apps for Parents of Autistic Children
There is an app made just for parents with children that have autism. Birdhouse for Autism keeps track of daily tasks, health, and behaviors. It is truly an amazing tool to have as a parent. It is a helpful way to stay organized and ready to address anything with your kids. Maintaining activities in one simple timeline, this app is worth the download. The activities you can keep track of include medical, health, and doctor information, as well as schedules, behavior notes, nutrition, and interventions. By having this information organized, patterns start to develop and are easily identified to better elevate the level of care. Among the amazing things you can do with the app include:
- Keeping a daily behavioral journal
- Maintaining control of your child’s progress
- Setting reminders
- Tracking diets
- Generating summaries of important health and background information
- Recording your child’s sleep cycles
- Determining what might be causing meltdowns
- Recording therapy session notes
You’re Not Alone
Educational apps can help people with autism in many ways. Apps can get their attention, making it easier to teach children new skills. Apps promote the exploration of ideas in a creative manner. Keep in mind that apps are tools used to teach new skills, but your continued involvement as a parent is still critical.
ABA Therapy at ABA Centers of America
With early intervention, you can equip your child with the skills they need in real-life situations. At ABA Centers of America, we specialize in helping families create the brightest future possible. We have experience with all forms of autism across the spectrum and with people of all ages. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our autism treatment professionals. We can help.
