Apps for children with ASD
When selecting apps for children with autism, it is important to keep in mind their unique strengths and challenges. Some children may prefer visual supports while others may benefit from social skills training or academic enrichment. Additionally, it is important to remember that every child with autism is unique and may respond differently to various types of apps and interventions.
Before introducing an app to a child with autism, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional or educator who has experience working with children with autism. They can provide guidance on which apps may be most beneficial for the child’s specific needs and how to integrate the app into the child’s overall treatment plan.
It is also important to monitor the child’s progress and adjust the use of the app accordingly. While some children may benefit from using an app for longer periods of time, others may become overstimulated or lose interest quickly. It is important to be flexible and adapt the use of the app to meet the child’s changing needs and preferences.
In summary, apps can be valuable tools for supporting children with autism in various areas of development. When used in conjunction with other forms of support and guidance from healthcare professionals and educators, apps can help children with autism build skills, increase communication, and achieve their full potential.
Here are some apps that can assist with communication, social skills, and other areas of development:
- Proloquo2Go: This is a popular communication app that provides children with autism a voice to express themselves. It uses symbols and pictures to build sentences, and includes a library of over 14,000 symbols to choose from.
- iPrompts: This app is useful for children with autism who need visual supports to understand and complete daily activities. It includes customizable visual schedules, countdown timers, and a library of pictures to choose from.
- My PlayHome: This interactive app allows children to create and explore a virtual home. It helps with developing social skills, imaginative play, and language development.
- Autism Tracker: This app helps parents track and monitor their child’s behavior, moods, and progress. It includes features for tracking sleep, medication, and therapy appointments.
- BrainPOP: This educational app provides animated videos and games on a variety of topics such as science, math, and social studies. It is designed to make learning fun and engaging for children with autism.
- Social Express: This app focuses on developing social skills such as conversation, eye contact, and body language. It uses video modeling and interactive activities to teach children how to navigate social situations.
- Choiceworks: This app uses visual supports such as schedules, timers, and social stories to help children with autism manage their daily routines and transitions.
- Special Stories: This app is designed to help children with autism develop literacy and reading skills. It includes customizable stories with pictures and text, and also has a text-to-speech feature.
- Endless Alphabet: This app uses colorful and interactive animations to teach children the alphabet and expand their vocabulary.
- Starfall ABCs: This app includes songs, games, and interactive activities to help children with autism learn the alphabet, phonics, and reading skills.
In conclusion, these apps can be valuable tools for parents and educators of children with autism. They can help with communication, social skills, academic development, and behavior management. However, it is important to note that apps should not replace traditional therapy and intervention. They should be used in conjunction with other forms of support and guidance from trained professionals.
To speak to a professional about app use for your child click here.