Top Ten iPad Apps for Families with Autism

Top Ten iPad Apps for Families with Autism

CDC statistics released in 2014 show that 1 percent of the world's population is on the autism spectrum. In the USA the numbers are higher, reaching up to 15 percent between 2002 and 2010. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder. Despite the rapid growth and lack of a cure, there is good news. Doctors diagnose autism earlier, allowing for early intervention. Additionally, more attention to the disorder closes gaps and makes the world a little less intimidating for those on the spectrum. A big advantage: technology. New technologies have enabled significant advances in children with autism, creating tools that are at home, at school, or in therapy. In particular: the iPad.

IPrompts

This app works features scheduling, images and a timer. Kids can view photos of tasks they need to complete and timers for completing the tasks. Display options allow for more or fewer tasks to reduce anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Garage Band

Many children with autism excel at music. The Garage Band app allows kids to play various musical instruments and record themselves playing. They can even record and write their own songs.

ABA Flash Cards – Emotions

Children with autism have a hard time with empathy. While average children determine emotions through body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, most children with autism do not. This app shows flashcards and asks the child to identify feelings based on the photo.

My horse

Children with autism can develop empathy through working and caring for animals. Most families may not be able to get a pet, or it may not be realistic to allow a child with autism to do the majority of the care. This app allows children to choose a horse and name it. The child can feed the horse, play with it, rest it and clean its stable. Kids can also connect with other friends using the same app.

child in the story

Children and adults can use this app to create stories that incorporate aspects of their own lives. You can add travel or other transitions to prepare for a potentially difficult situation. They can depict the entire journey or transition through a story. The app costs $6.99, but you can get the companion app for free. This way the stories can be shared with family, therapists and teachers.

My play home

This computer controlled dollhouse includes all the activities a child can do when playing with a traditional dollhouse. Kids can cook dinner, put dolls at a table for family game night, and put kids to bed. This app allows children to explore social activities without the stress of other people. There is more space to see and move. Children can share their play and ideas with others when they feel comfortable.

Pictello

You can help your child create their own stories using photos of your family. Children can relate to the stories because they recognize the photos. This is a great way to teach them how to behave in different situations and makes communication easier during story time.

Endless alphabet

This app will help your child learn to read. Instead of teaching your child “B is for ball,” they may hear “B is for balloon or C is for chiropractor.” With longer words and music, children's vocabulary can grow quickly. The music and interactive games make it a fun app for most children.

iTubeList

Children love watching videos. Children with autism especially enjoy watching videos and songs on YouTube. However, this website often displays age-inappropriate videos. This app allows parents to create playlists for the children to view. Children can enjoy videos and parents don't have to worry!

Talking Character Apps from Outfit7

There are various apps including Talking Tom and Talking Angela. The app talks to children and encourages them to develop their language skills. There are also various logic games. Kids can dress up their characters, solve puzzles, decorate their pet's house, feed, bathe and put them to sleep.

Inspired by Paul Napier, MA, BCBA