Apps and Technology for Autism

Summer can be a great time for children with autism to engage in learning and play through the use of technology. Here’s a look at some apps and digital tools that can help make the summer both educational and fun.

 

1. Speech and Communication Apps

 

  • Proloquo2Go
    • Description: A robust augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app designed for individuals who have difficulty speaking.
    • Benefits: Helps non-verbal children or those with speech delays communicate effectively using symbols and text-to-speech.
  • Avaz
    • Description: An AAC app tailored for children with autism that includes customizable vocabulary and easy-to-use features.
    • Benefits: Supports language development and communication skills with visual aids.

2. Social Skills and Emotional Regulation Apps

 

  • Social Stories Creator & Library
    • Description: An app for creating and sharing social stories, which help children understand and manage social situations.
    • Benefits: Improves social understanding and coping strategies by providing clear, visual explanations of social scenarios.
  • Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
    • Description: A Sesame Street app that teaches problem-solving, self-control, planning, and task persistence.
    • Benefits: Helps children manage their emotions and navigate everyday challenges through interactive scenarios.

3. Educational and Learning Apps

 

  • Endless Reader
    • Description: An app that introduces sight words and helps children learn to read through engaging animations and puzzles.
    • Benefits: Supports literacy development with fun, interactive activities that keep children engaged.Technology
  • ABCmouse
    • Description: A comprehensive early learning app with a wide range of activities covering reading, math, art, music, and more.
    • Benefits: Offers a structured learning path that can be tailored to a child’s individual pace and interests.

4. Sensory and Relaxation Apps

 

  • Sensory App House
    • Description: A collection of sensory apps designed to provide calming and engaging sensory experiences through visuals, sounds, and interactivity.
    • Benefits: Helps children relax and focus, especially those who may be overstimulated by their environment.
  • Calm
    • Description: A meditation and relaxation app that includes guided sessions, sleep stories, and calming sounds.
    • Benefits: Promotes relaxation and emotional well-being with activities designed to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.

5. Games and Interactive Play

 

  • Minecraft: Education Edition
    • Description: A version of the popular game Minecraft designed for educational use, incorporating lessons and activities across various subjects.
    • Benefits: Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in a fun, interactive environment.
  • Toca Life World
    • Description: A sandbox game that allows children to create their own stories and explore different worlds and characters.
    • Benefits: Supports imaginative play and narrative skills, providing a safe space for creative exploration.

6. Visual Schedules and Routine Apps

 

  • Choiceworks
    • Description: An app that helps children create visual schedules, manage daily routines, and understand the concept of time.
    • Benefits: Provides structure and predictability, helping children with autism navigate their daily activities more smoothly.
  • First Then Visual Schedule
    • Description: A visual schedule app that allows users to create customizable schedules and routines using photos, text, and audio.
    • Benefits: Supports transitions and helps children understand what to expect throughout the day.

Tips for Using Technology Effectively:

  • Set Time Limits: Ensure a healthy balance between screen time and other activities by setting limits on app usage.
  • Supervise and Participate: Engage with your child while they use these apps to enhance learning and provide guidance.
  • Customize to Interests: Choose apps that align with your child’s interests and needs to keep them motivated and engaged.
  • Create a Safe Digital Environment: Use parental controls and monitor app content to ensure a safe and positive experience.

These apps and digital tools can provide valuable support and enrichment for children with autism during the summer months. By integrating technology into their daily routines, you can help your child continue learning, developing skills, and having fun.

We have been a family blessed with the help of the team at The Helm. Our son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 2.5 and The Helm was one of the places recommended by our developmental psychologist. I am a physician and still found it hard navigating this new medical problem and knowing what to do next. I called many places and from step one Lee Ann was the most helpful explaining the process with paperwork, assessment, available services, insurance, etc. we were able to start therapy quite soon after diagnosis and had sessions at home daily for 3 hours. The quality of staff, the system they have in place for the therapists, the coordination by the BCBA supervising therapist and early response put us at ease that we were on the right path. Ultimately the steady positive changes we saw with our son overcame any fears we had about autism holding our son back for the rest of his life.

We used many forms of intervention that we felt were individually tailored for our family – for potty training, anger management, dietary intervention and even let them know when we could not maintain something suggested in family training, and they would just take our request and implement another plan. Our son has now graduated/transitioned out of therapy and is currently in pre-K in a regular classroom with him on par with his class in academics, has friends and no behavior issues. Most important of all we have a happy son who loves to play with his big sister.

I know that I will always read all there is on autism and watch my son for any features. But I hope my review adds to positive aspects that I wish someone would have told me when I started the journey – start early, don’t put off your suspicions, get your child evaluated now! The label does not hinder,  in fact it falls to the side once you have the diagnosis to facilitate therapy. ABA intervention, especially done with the right people, makes a big difference. It does not pressure or upset the child at all, and you are not stuck in therapy for life! I know if any behavioral issues come up in the future I have The Helm, and they will help us and the outcome is going to be positive. Said with heartfelt thanks.

– Former Helm ABA Family

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