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Autism apps

Apps for people with autism spectrum disorder

There are a variety of apps to support people with autism spectrum disorder.
Apps have the potential to help with communication, manage time and routines, better identify and regulate emotions and interact with others.
When choosing an app, it’s important to understand the individual’s needs and what specific support is needed. It’s best to work with your healthcare provider to choose the right apps.

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Autism is a difference in development that affects communication (verbal and non-verbal), social skills and behaviour. People with autism can have a wide range of challenges and strengths, and these can vary with age and over time in an individual. Autism is different for every person who has it. When people talk about autism spectrum, they're referring to the wide range of differences in people with autism. These differences can vary with age and can also vary over time in a person. Read more about autism in adults and autism in children.

There are a variety of apps for people with autism spectrum disorder. Depending on their features, apps can help to support with communication, social skills and behaviour, learning and cognitive development, creativity and routine. When choosing an app, it’s important to understand the individual’s needs and what specific support is needed. It’s also important to consider the user’s age, developmental level and ability to use technology.

Before choosing an app, think about how it will benefit you and what you want it to be able to do.

An app will only be helpful if you use it, so it needs to be something you like using and find easy to use.
If you find the app difficult to use, or you don't like the imagery or look of it, or the language it uses, you may want to find another one that suits you better.
For more guidance on how to choose health apps, see how to choose a health app.
It's important to remember that apps don’t replace professional help or your doctor’s advice.

App	Features	Clinical review
Stress Autism Mate (SAM) app	An app to help adults with autism manage daily life stress. Provides personalised stress-reducing tips in response to your answers to questionnaires that you complete throughout the day. Read more about SAM app.
Stress Autism Mate (SAM) Junior app	An app for young people aged 12 to 18 years to help them recognise their stress across their day and use tips to self-manage stress. Read more about SAM Junior.
Planet Puberty	An online resource for parents or carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder, to support your child through puberty. Read more about Planet Puberty.
ChatterBoards AAC app	An easy to use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) aid for people of any age who have speech or language difficulties Read more about ChatterBoards AAC app.
Speech Assistant AAC app	An app for people who have loss of speech but are able to read. Read more about Speech Assistant AAC app.

Other apps

As there are so many apps for people 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
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)
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)

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

Research

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.