Autism Apps

A recent study suggests that an app-based method could one day be leveraged for autism screening in children. Explore this page to learn more about autism apps.


There has been a huge surge in the number of apps created for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recent years, with the current number in the Apple app store around 1,200. The need is great for a resource to help sort through the massive number of applications to find the right app for each situation. Autism Reading Room is introducing a new resource to help parents, educators, and caregivers discover new applications for particular needs.

We completed a search of the App store to compile a useful list of top applications. We divided the apps into four categories, including:

  1. Academic Skills     –
    apps that are aimed to mimic skills taught by a teacher/professional

  2. Functional Skills –
    apps that help with the individual adapting to life skills

  3. Support/Services     –
    apps that provide or refer the user to direct services

  4. Autism News/Awareness     –
    apps that provide generic information and disseminate autism research advancements

Each broad category is further divided into subcategories that describe the exact modality targeted by the application. Please explore our classification system by clicking one of the questions in the "Key Questions" box above.

Key Points
  • Over 1,000 apps are designed to help those with ASD
  • Different apps meet different needs
  • Autism Reading Room has categorized available apps according to target needs or behaviors
  • You can use this site to find an app for specific needs
  • MindSpec's apps are free to download in iTunes
Misconception

Apps that target the needs of those with ASD are difficult to use and expensive.


Fact

Many apps created to help those with ASD are designed to be easy and fun to use. As an added bonus, plenty of these apps are inexpensive (less than a few dollars) or free!


Read about other misconceptions.