Autism apps

There are a wide selection of apps to support children with autism spectrum disorder and their parents and caregivers.
Apps have the potential to help children to communicate and express themselves, manage time and routines, better identify and regulate emotions and interact with others.
However, many apps are untested and might not help. It’s best to work with your child’s professionals to choose the right apps for your child.
Find out more about autism apps.

Deciding on suitable apps — help me choose

A study by Boyd et al. looked into the contexts in which learning via apps might be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder and the design features for apps to promote learning. They identified 5 evaluation criteria to guide teachers and caregivers in evaluating iPad apps for helping to improve improve a child’s communication skills. These criteria are:

the ability to customize the app
the motor skills the student needs to operate the system
the resources and time needed for the intervention
the research or evidence-based practices behind the app
the cost of using the specific device and app.

Recommended apps

As there are so many apps for children with autism spectrum disorder, we have not been able to review all those available. We have instead identified independent organisations that have reviewed these apps. The following are lists of apps recommended by independent organisations.

Organisation	List of apps
Brisbane Early Stages (B.E.S.T) Autism Therapy (Australia)	The Learning App Guide to Autism and Education The Learning App Guide(external link) Provides detailed reviews of apps for students in early childhood and primary years (age 2 - 12). How to use The Learning App Guide(external link)
Bridging Apps (United States)	Bridging the gap between technology and people with disabilities Full list Apps for autism(external link)
Autism Speaks (United States)	Technology and Autism How to get started using assistive technology(external link) Tips for using assistive technology devices(external link) Webinar: Use of smartphones and tablet for people with autism(external link)
Raising Children (Australia)	Tablet and smartphone apps: children with autism spectrum disorder(external link)
Autism Association of Western Australia (Australia)	A library of app reviews(external link) The library is searchable by: app categories (fine motor skills, games/motivators, language, literacy, maths/numeracy, miscellaneous, organisation and independence, social skills) ratings (1-5) age ranges (adult, school age, early years) curriculum (critical & creative thinking, personal & social, literacy, ethical behaviour, numeracy, intercultural, information & communication technology)
Common Sense Education (United States)	Best apps for kids with autism(external link) Comprises a list of comprehensive app reviews including what it is, pros, cons, how to teach with this tool, whether is it good for learning and teacher reviews.
Reading Rockets (United States)	Apps for children with autism and Asperger's(external link) Emotional regulation(external link) Apps to help kids gauge and manage their emotions, reduce anxiety, and adapt to change. Language and communication(external link) Apps that give kids tools for communicating with others, through simple pictures, picture-based stories and text-to-speech. Routines, schedules and organisation(external link) Apps to help kids complete tasks independently at home, school or in the community. Socials skills(external link) Apps to help kids to understand their emotions better, learn how to read facial expressions, practice social exchanges, create personalised stories and more. (Note: links to some reviews don't work)
Center on Technology and Disability (United States)	AT support for autism - app matrix(external link) List of apps(external link) Includes information on developer, functional area, cost and comments/features Webinar: AT and apps to support learners with autism(external link).

Disclaimer: Healthify’s app library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.

Autism (takiwātanga)
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide – how to choose a health app
Clinicians' guide – how to choose a health app

References

Allen ML, Hartley C, Cain K. iPads and the Use of "Apps" by Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Do They Promote Learning?(external link) Front Psychol. 2016 Aug 30;7:1305.
Boyd TK, Hart Barnett JE, More CM. Evaluating iPad Technology for Enhancing Communication Skills of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders(external link).

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.