10 Best Autism Apps for the iPad

Use of the iPad by individuals with autism is becoming more and more common and app makers are definitely taking notice. In fact, a recent search of the Apple App Store yielded hundreds of apps with the keyword "autism". Many of these apps are absolutely free so they're definitely worth taking a look at. After all, what is there to lose? Other apps are available at a cost, ranging from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars. So how do you determine which apps are worth the price tag? Well, LaptopMag recently compiled a list of the top 10 autism apps available on iTunes. They vary in price and function but have all received positive reviews from the autism community.


Proloquo2Go - $189

One common symptom of autism is a difficulty in speaking or an inability to speak. Proloquo2Go is an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) app that teaches children how to construct sentences using symbols and pictures. It also has text-to-speech, word prediction, and a customizable vocabulary and interface.

 TouchChat HD - $149

Similar to Proloquo2Go, TouchChat HD is another AAC app, which uses pictograms to help individuals construct sentences. TouchChat has seven English-speaking voices, and sentences can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, text message and email. TouchChat HD Lite ($9.99) lets users build sentences, but does not have audio playback.

First Then Visual Schedule HD - $199

Another issue facing children with autism is that they require a clear, set schedule to help prevent them from acting out as a result of something unexpected. First Then Visual Schedule HD lets you create a pictogram-based schedule, with a timer for each event, that the child can then check off as each task is completed. 

Autismate - $149

Autismate combines features of several apps into one. Parents can set up dynamic scenes, such as a kitchen, where a child can tap on the faucet, and see a video of the proper way to wash one's hands. There's also a visual scheduling feature, and a sentence construction section.

iCommunicate - $49

iCommunicate is a visual schedule planner that lets users record their own audio. The app incorporates text-to-speech with 20 voices including English, Canadian French, Italian, Norwegian, German, French, Spanish, and Swedish. Users can also share pictures and boards via email or iTunes file sharing

 EASe Personal Listening Therapy - $39

Some children with autism will respond to loud noises by acting out. EASe Personal Listening Therapy helps to address this issue by playing short bursts of sound, so a child becomes accustomed to that kind of stimulus. Parents and therapists can adjust the type of sound, duration, aggressiveness, and a number of other factors, depending on the child's responsiveness.

ABA Flash Cards - Free

ABA Flash Cards helps children recognize different emotions and nonverbal cues in others by using flash cards. In addition to the cards that come with the app, users can create their own, and can incorporate audio, too.

Kid In Story - $6.99

Kid In Story places the child as the main character in one of several stories, helping him or her to understand appropriate social behaviors. Using the iPad's camera, you can superimpose your child into the tale, and then use your voice to narrate the story. Eight templates cover topics from washing ones hands to a trip to San Francisco, and users can create their own stories, too.

Autism Tracker Pro - $9.99

Autism Tracker Pro uses a visual calendar so you can track and chart patterns over time, from mood to behavior to health to food. The app also lets you share calendars via email or Twitter, and, for $15, you can track an unlimited number of individuals.

TapToTalk - Free

A simpler version of an AAC app, TapToTalk has an album of images that children can use to construct sentences, which the app then speaks. While not as robust as other apps, it's good for those starting out, and want to get a feel for how these apps work. 

Free Autism Apps for Autism Awareness Month

Happy Autism Awareness Month, everyone!

 In a previous post, I detailed exactly how expensive it can become to stock an iPad with apps for our children and students with autism. This month, however, the folks over at Kindergarten.com are making it a little bit cheaper. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Kindergarten.com is offering all of their updated apps for FREE! Apps are available for both the iPad and the iPhone/iPod.

Unfortunately, this broke college student doesn't own an iPad or iPhone/iPod so I was not able to download any of the apps myself. My roommate was able to put some of the apps on her iPhone and said that her students loved using them. Hopefully by next April I will finally be able to afford an iAnything so that I can get my hands on some of these apps. Until then, here's a sampling of what they're offering:

ABA Receptive Identification by Noun app helps children comprehend simple instructions and practice effective listening skills.  With over 300 unique, colorful, concrete images your child will be asked with mixed and varied phrases to identify common everyday objects and people. When your child responds appropriately they are highly reinforced with verbal praise and random visual praise.

ABA Receptive Identification by Class app was created using over 350 beautiful, concrete photos presented against a non-distracting white background.  Every image has been carefully selected for its familiarity, appeal to children and developmental value.  We have added a new expressive language Q&A component to this app.  The child is asked to receptively identify an item by class then asked to (intraverbally) name additional items within that same class.

ABA Alphabet Flash Card app will have your child navigating through the ABCs by pairing colorful images presented against a non-distracting white background while hearing and seeing their respective first letters. With language development in mind, we’ve included a simple Q&A at the bottom of each page encouraging children to think about other words that begin with each letter of the alphabet.

ABA Animal Flash Cards. Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Even if you can’t visit the zoo in person, your child can learn that sharks are older than dinosaurs and that giraffes sleep standing up with kindergarten.com’s Animal Flash Cards. Your child will be captivated by our vivid images of over 100 animals. With early language development in mind, we’ve included a textual and audio description so your child may begin to develop and comprehend further language concepts.