These best apps for autism focus on communication, routines, and social skills
Ed. note: Recently, we asked the experts at Common Sense Graphite, a national nonprofit, to curate their best apps for working with students on the autism spectrum. Here is what they came up with, which is also available on their website.
According to Graphite, more app creators are turning their attention to the particular learning needs of kids on the autism spectrum. The apps on this list can help kids learn to better identify and regulate emotions, communicate and express themselves, manage time and routines, and interact with others.
Emotional regulation
Daniel Tiger’s Grr-ific Feelings
Songs and activities help kids express, recognize, understand emotions.
Grades: PreK-K
Price: $3
Graphite rating: 4/5
Settle Your Glitter
Simple, beautiful tool for emotional regulation
Grades: PreK-8
Price: Free
Graphite rating: 3/5
Calm Counter – Social Story and Anger Management Tool
Simple, effective tool for helping kids keep anger in check
Grades: K-1
Price: $3
Graphite rating: 3/5
Touch and Learn – Emotions
Excited, sad, or angry? This app helps kids identify feelings
Grades: K-2
Price: Free
Graphite rating: 4/5
Breathing Bubbles
Students release worries and embrace joys with anxiety-fighting tool
Grades: 1-5
Price: Free
Graphite rating: 4/5
Next page: language and communication apps
IF… The Emotional IQ Game
Captivating journey cultivates kids’ social and emotional skills
Grades: 1-7
Price: Free/paid
Graphite rating: 4/5
Mood Meter – Building Your Emotional Intelligence
Well-designed tool encourages kids to reflect on and manage emotions
Grades: 6-12
Price: $1
Graphite rating: 4/5
Language and communication
LanguageBuilderDeluxe
Audio, visual prompts help boost kids’ communication skills
Grades: K-3
Price: $10
Graphite rating: 4/5
QuestionIt
Wh- questions taught in concrete ways for kids with language delays
Grades: K-7
Price: Free/paid
Graphite rating: 4/5
Proloquo2Go
Brilliant tool helps kids with speech difficulties communicate
Grades: K-12
Price: $220
Graphite rating: 5/5
TapToTalk
Unique way for kids with limited verbal skills to express themselves
Grades: K-12
Price: Free
Graphite rating: 3/5
Routines and schedules
My Video Schedule
Special-needs scheduler for daily tasks; customizable for kids’ use
Grades: K-12
Price: $5
Graphite rating: 4/5
FTVS HD – First Then Visual Schedule HD
Powerful multisensory tool teaches self-direction and follow-through
Grades: K-7
Price: $10-$15
Graphite rating: 5/5
Time Timer
Easily conceptualize, manage, and visualize time
Grades: 1-12
Price: $2-$5
Graphite rating: 4/5
Choiceworks Calendar
Empowering calendar tool alleviates transition anxiety
Grades: 3-9
Price: $5
Graphite rating: 3/5
Social skills
Kid in Story Book Maker
Easy-to-make personalized stories can help boost social skills
Grades: PreK-1
Price: $7
Graphite rating: 4/5
Social Stories
Quick and simple behavior-reinforcement tool for kids with autism
Grades: PreK-5
Price: $5
Graphite rating: 4/5
Social Stories Creator for Educators
Create multimedia stories that help with social skills
Grades: K-12
Price: Free/paid
Graphite rating: 3/5
Social Adventures
Expert-approved activities nurture students’ social skills
Grades: K-3
Price: $20
Graphite rating: 4/5
ConversationBuilder
Themed scripts help kids practice successful social exchanges
Grades: K-6
Price: $20
Graphite rating: 4/5
The Social Express II
Fabulous multimedia lessons boost social-awareness skills
Grades: 2-8
Price: Free
Graphite rating: 5/5
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