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Special needs

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills

With innovative new apps and mobile technology, kids with autism can try new things in a less intimidating environment

By Christine Elgersma, Common Sense Media
9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills

Photo: iStockphoto

Technology has the power to unlock learning for kids of all ages and stages. And sometimes exploring and learning on a device first is less intimidating than trying out new skills with real people. Check out these apps that help kids with communication, organization, and even social-awareness skills.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Calm Counter

Calm Counter - Social Story and Anger Management Tool

This ingenious app helps kids with special needs, social challenges, anxiety, or anger issues learn self-awareness as they begin to identify when they "need a break" and practice calming down.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Flummoxvision

Flummoxvision - Watch Flummox and Friends on your iPad

For kids who like a little humor, this series of videos and questions offers a unique approach to learning about social skills. When used with an adult or with a group of kids who can interact around the content, the learning potential will expand and have even more impact.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: First Then Visual Schedule

FTVS HD - First Then Visual Schedule HD

With its simple, multisensory interface, this app has great potential for use with kids with developmental or learning disabilities, anxiety or attention issues, and language, hearing, or processing difficulties.​

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Kid in Story Book Maker

Kid in Story Book Maker

By creating social stories, kids can work with expectations and practice before events actually happen. The special features are particularly helpful for kids who may need to see themselves encountering situations, such as a visit to the dentist, in storybook form before encountering them in real life.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out

Peppy Pals Sammy Helps Out

Though this social-emotional skill builder is designed for young kids, older kids who struggle with social situations and empathy also might find it helpful. Best used with a parent or teacher, this app provides built-in discussion questions to help guide kids so they can take their learning offscreen.

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9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Popplet

Popplet

This mind-mapping tool is especially helpful for kids who have problems with organization and visual memory. Kids can insert words, images, and their own drawings and then connect to other related Popplets to create an interactive outline of related ideas.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Proloquo2Go

Proloquo2Go

This extraordinary communication aid is great for kids who have basic to severe speech challenges. Kids can learn how to effectively convey wants, needs, feelings, opinions, social manners, and more.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: Social Detetctive

Social Detective

Through video and a comprehensive, step-by-step process, kids can learn about expected vs. unexpected behaviors in a variety of everyday situations. Because the videos include real kids and the app offers practical tips, users will be able to identify with and apply what they learn.

9 apps that help kids with autism develop new skills Photo: The Social Express II

The Social Express II

This excellent animated app boosts kids' social-awareness skills. Kids can learn to identify how their peers are feeling, develop coping strategies, recognize the importance of eye contact, and learn a host of core social skills needed to function in daily life.

For more great learning tools for kids with special needs and learning differences, check out our Learning Difficulties and Special Needs guide.

Read more: Having autism made me a better mother
6 myths about autism that way too many people believe

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