As a mother of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), I can tell you firsthand how powerful technology can be in supporting my child’s learning and communication. Over the years, I’ve explored numerous autism-friendly apps, and some have truly transformed our lives by helping my child gain essential skills, learn to communicate, and feel more confident in daily activities.
Here are seven of the best autism apps that have genuinely made a difference for us.
1. Proloquo2Go
One of our biggest challenges has been communication, and that’s where Proloquo2Go comes in. My child struggles to speak, so this app has been a lifeline. It allows my child to select symbols or images to express thoughts and emotions, which has given him a newfound sense of independence. Now, he can use the app to say things about himself, describe how he’s feeling, or even tell me what he wants—an amazing step toward self-confidence!
Changes in routine used to be a huge source of stress for my child, often leading to meltdowns. Choiceworks Calendar has been a real game-changer in our home. With its visual schedules, I can lay out the day’s activities using pictures, which helps him know what’s coming up. Knowing the plan in advance makes him feel calm and secure, and it’s so comforting to see him embrace the day with less anxiety.
First Then Visual Schedule HD has been a fantastic tool for teaching my child about sequencing daily tasks. This app lets me break down activities into small, manageable steps, which helps ease his transition from one activity to another. For instance, getting ready for bed is now a straightforward routine, thanks to the step-by-step visual prompts. Since using this app, I’ve noticed a big reduction in his frustration, and he seems much more comfortable with his routines.
When we started using TouchChat HD – AAC with WordPower, it was like opening a new world of vocabulary for my child. This app is fully customizable and has so many options for different words and phrases, making it easier for my child to express himself in greater detail. Since he’s been able to “talk” through the app, I’ve seen a new confidence in him. It’s incredibly rewarding to watch him share his thoughts and feel less isolated.
Social interactions can be challenging, but Social Story Creator & Library has made it easier. This app lets me create personalized stories to prepare my child for different social situations, like meeting new friends or attending family gatherings. Having these stories as guides has improved his ability to interpret gestures and social cues, making it possible for him to form connections and navigate social settings with less anxiety.
Let’s Be Social is a fun favorite in our house! It focuses on social skills and includes interactive videos, games, and activities to help kids recognize social cues like eye contact and turn-taking. Since we started using this app, I’ve noticed that he’s more comfortable in group settings, and his confidence with peers has grown. Watching him engage with others and make friends has been one of the most heartwarming experiences.
We’ve found the ABA Flash Cards app especially helpful for teaching foundational skills like numbers, letters, and simple concepts. I love that I can create custom flashcards with this app, so it’s easy to focus on whatever he’s working on. The audio and images make learning fun and engaging for him, and I’ve noticed that he retains information better and even looks forward to our “flashcard time” as an adventure rather than a chore.
Using these autism apps daily has enriched my child’s learning journey. Each app serves its unique purpose, from boosting communication skills to building social confidence. Knowing that these tools are here to support us reassures me that I’m not alone on this journey. I celebrate every little milestone with my child, and it’s amazing to see him explore his world with growing independence and self-confidence.
For more resources and support, you can visit OneAutismHealth.com, a site filled with helpful information to guide you and your child through each developmental stage. With a community, helpful tools, and a bit of patience, there’s no limit to what our kids can achieve.
*results may vary, please consult a professional.
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