Supporting children with autism through technology can be a powerful way to enhance learning, emotional regulation, and daily life skills. This curated list of 5 apps, all available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, focuses on engaging children in areas such as various aspects of development, sensory exploration, routine building and skill-building. Remember that individual needs vary, so explore these apps and find the ones that best suit your child’s requirements!
Here are some of our top picks.
First Then Visual Scheduler
The First Then Visual Schedule application is designed for caregivers to provide positive behaviour support. For individuals with communication needs, developmental delays, Autism or those who benefit from a structured environment, visual schedules serve to increase independence and lower anxiety during transitions through different activities. Knowing what comes next helps reduce anxiety and resistance to transitions. The app can also be used to reinforce sequencing and time awareness, which are essential for building life skills.
Choiceworks
The Choiceworks app is an essential learning tool that helps children complete daily routines (morning, day, & night), understand & manage feelings and improve waiting skills (taking turns and not interrupting). Choiceworks is designed for caregivers to provide clear and consistent support to foster a child’s independence, positive behaviour, and emotional regulation at home and in the community. It can also be customised for teachers in a school setting. There is a separate app, Choiceworks Calendar, that can be used to show events happening in the future.
Book Creator
Book Creator is a powerful tool that enables users to create, read and publish multimedia digital books. Book Creator is accessible to anyone, no matter their age, ability or literacy level. Its versatility makes it an excellent tool for teachers to use in the classroom to expand their pupils’ imagination, but it can also be used to create personalised social stories to help understand routines and transitions, as well as new experiences. Children can also use Book Creator to make their own books, expressing thoughts, feelings, or experiences through drawings, photos, and voice recordings.
Sensory App House Apps
Sensory App House creates apps for stimulation, relaxation, fun, digital art, and to support communication. These apps can be accessed on iPads, Chromebooks, using a web browser or an Android device and are free to download. Some apps help children recognise and respond to emotions through visual cues and interactive play. This can support emotional regulation and social understanding, which are often areas of difficulty for children with autism.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind teaches mindfulness and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve emotional awareness. Guided meditations range from 2–10 minutes and are suitable for all ages. It’s a valuable tool for emotional regulation, focus, and self-awareness. It includes programmes that encourage children to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, fostering self-awareness and empathy. This can support social development and help children better understand their own emotional experiences.