Apps & Autism

As term was coming to an end, many families were asking me if I knew of any apps they could download either as they were going to be on a long flight and wanted their children to stay engaged or calm. Or, that as a large family, going out was challenging and so their child would be using the tablet a fair amount during the holidays. I told them ones that we used in class, and then thought I would do a it of research about what is out there. Here are some suggestions that could be shared with parents for the next holiday.

1. Autism Speaks lists hundreds of apps along with the main purpose and if there is any evidence to suggest it has an impact. https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-apps
2. Autism App is an app that lists other good apps with direct links so stops hours of searching https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/autism-apps/id441600681?mt=8

3. I love hairy letters, it links in really nicely with the handwriting without tears programme if any of you are using that. The children love the little actions that the characters make. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/hairy-letters/id410276288?mt=8





The University of Edinburgh produced this great visual which splits apps into categories so that you get a good idea of what is out there and how they can be used.



Call Scotland have also produced a great guide, similar to this one above, for how AAC apps can be used. http://www.callscotland.org.uk/Common-Assets/ckfinder/userfiles/files/iPad-Apps-for-Complex-Communication-Support-Needs.pdf