Online Learning for Children with Autism

Online Learning

Online learning has become super important for families, especially those with children who have autism. Finding the right online platforms can help make learning easier and more fun for our kiddos. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best online learning platforms that are designed to support children with autism. These platforms offer special features like simple designs, sensory-friendly activities, and tools to help with communication and learning.

1. ABCmouse.com

  • What It Is: ABCmouse.com is a popular website with lots of lessons and activities for kids aged 2-8. It covers subjects like math, reading, science, and art, and you can adjust the content to fit your child’s learning speed.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: ABCmouse.com has a lot of visual and interactive content, which is great for kids who learn better by seeing things. Parents can change the difficulty level and pace, making it easier to match their child’s needs.

2. Autism Academy

  • What It Is: Autism Academy is an online learning platform made specifically for children with autism. It includes lessons on social skills, communication, and other subjects.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: The content on Autism Academy is created with an understanding of what children with autism need. It includes visual aids, clear instructions, and interactive activities that keep kids engaged without overwhelming them.

3. Starfall

  • What It Is: Starfall is a learning platform that focuses on reading, phonics, and math for young children. It’s known for its simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: Starfall has a clean design and uses repetitive activities, which can be very helpful for children with autism. The platform provides both visual and sound feedback to reinforce learning.

4. BrainPop Jr.Online Learning

  • What It Is: BrainPop Jr. offers animated educational videos, quizzes, and activities on different subjects, aimed at children in grades K-3. The content is designed to be fun and easy to understand.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: The videos break down topics into simple, easy-to-follow sections, which is helpful for children who might have trouble focusing. The activities also let kids learn at their own pace.

5. Boom Learning

  • What It Is: Boom Learning offers interactive digital cards, called “Boom Cards,” which cover various subjects. These cards can be customized to fit your child’s learning needs.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: Boom Cards are great for children who benefit from practice and immediate feedback. Since you can customize the cards, they can be tailored to match your child’s strengths and challenges.

6. Endless Alphabet

  • What It Is: Endless Alphabet is an app that helps kids learn vocabulary and phonics through fun puzzles and animated characters. It’s designed for young learners and focuses on building strong language skills.
  • Why It’s Good for Kids with Autism: The app’s playful and non-competitive environment is perfect for children who might feel stressed in regular learning settings. The animations are engaging without being too much, and the repetition helps reinforce learning.

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Platform

When picking an online learning platform for your child, think about these things:

  • Customization: Look for platforms where you can change the content and difficulty to match your child’s learning pace.
  • Sensory-Friendly Design: Choose platforms with simple designs that aren’t too busy. Sensory-friendly layouts can help your child stay engaged.
  • Interactive Content: Kids with autism often do well with activities that give immediate feedback and allow for practice.
  • Parent Resources: Platforms that offer guides or tips for parents can help you better support your child’s learning.

Conclusion

Finding the right online learning platform can help your child with autism succeed in their learning journey. By choosing platforms that meet their unique needs, you can create a positive and supportive environment for their academic and personal growth.

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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