Apps for Autism

Autism is on the rise and we are seeing more and more in our classrooms.  Recent stats show that 1 in 88 children are on the autism spectrum, this is up from 1 in 110 only seven years ago (CTVNews).  Some might argue that the dramatic rise is based on improved diagnosis, either way, as educators we need to better prepare ourselves to support these students in the best way possible. 

Fortunately, there has also been an increase in the quality of assistive technology to help these students succeed in the classroom.  One of the greatest advancements is in the form of portable devices.  These devices are extremely useful as they can travel with the individual wherever they are.  For teachers, this can help students with autism communicate their ideas and feelings, assist in developing their communication skills and enhance their learning inside and out inside of the classroom.

Communicating Their Ideas

Communication develops differently and at a slower pace for children on the autism spectrum.  For some children, they struggle to communicate even simple ideas and needs.  There are a variety of apps available for Android and Apple, that help children with this struggle.  For instance, Discover My Voice, is a great app where the child can tap images to that relay what they want or need.  Click here to see an example of this app helping a young girl with autism communicate with her parents.  There is also another app called My Voice, which is created specifically for individuals with speech disabilities.  In this app you can create an extensive library of pictures that are linked with audio.  As well, you can customize a keyboard that is designed specifically for individuals with these needs.

Social Skills

People with autism often find social situations very difficult and stressful.  They struggle to communicate their feelings and can become frustrated quickly.  In the classroom, this can result in situations that require careful behavior management strategies.  Using portable devises and apps is just one other tool that might be effective in these situations.  For instance, The Social Navigator App is a great app that is designed to guide children through their current social situation and gives them strategies and reminders to help the resolve that situation effectively and independently.  Another great app that help reduce frustrations and improves social situations, is Austimate.  This is a more comprehensive app that help students work through their daily routines and provides positive and immediate reinforcement, which is a key component in their behaviour and social skill management.  ChoiceWorks is another app that is similar to Austimate, however seems more appropriate for younger children. 

Enhances Learning

Individuals on the autism spectrum can benefit from visual representations to help them learn.  There are many apps available to help them make their learning more meaningful and more visual.  For instance, VizZle is a great app that is designed to help teach visual learners, specifically those with autism.  It has a large data base of material that can be accessed easily, as well the content can also be created.  Due to the visual natural of these learners it helps engage them and keeps them focused.  As well, research is starting to show that this type of technology has a therapeutic affect on their emotions.  To see this tool in action, watch Ali’s story to see how VizZle can truly impact student learning.  There are countless other apps that teacher can use to help students with autism learn in a more effective and engaging manner.

Overall, as you can see, apps should be apart of the education process from students on the autism spectrum.   By making this type of learning portable, it gives the learner more consistency and more independence throughout the day.