We have talked about the value and uses of touch screen mobile devices and what to think about in making your selection.
Now that you’ve made your purchase, your next step is to search for fun and educational apps! This may seem like an overwhelming task, as there are 600,000+ apps available. I do have a few suggestions that might assist you.
- Select a touch screen device that meets the needs of your child
- Discuss appropriate apps with professionals, such as the child’s therapist or teacher
- Search for apps that meet your child’s specific needs
- Read reviews before you purchase. Reading reviews will give you a true feeling of what it is, what it does, and the pros and cons of the app from users
- Download fun and educational apps!
What is wonderful about the apps is many of them are free! You can try it out with your child, and if it does not meet the needs, you can simply delete it and all of its data off of the device. You will find though, that you can adapt a lot of the apps to meet your child’s needs.
Many of the apps are available for purchase – some are inexpensive, but many are pricey. I highly recommend thoroughly studying the app before purchasing.
If you are looking at apps to develop or improve communication skills, it is very important to discuss this with your child’s therapists. We’ve found that consistency between home and school leads to the most progress for every child. Also, there are also excellent handwriting programs available and your child’s therapist will be able to lead you in the right direction.
Some of the apps we have found to be successful with our students include:
- abc PocketPhonics: teaches letter sounds and practices letter writing
- Autism Apps: list of apps that are being used with and by people diagnosed with autism
- iTouchiLearn: stimulates language development
- Touch & Say: activities to promote social skills in children
- Pocket Pond: cause and effect activities
- Tap To Talk: alternative communication program
- Touch Trainer: cause and effect drills
All About Autism 
Reblogged this on emmageraln.
Thank you for the great advice and the suggested apps. I’ll pass them along to my son’s teacher who has taken it upon herself to teach him how to use it in the classroom. When I looked at POCKET POND I knew that my son is going to absolutely love this and will be the perfect reinforcer when we have to have him use ABC PocketPhonics where he has to practice his letters:)
What did your son think of Pocket Pond? I’ll be doing further blogging on technology, but if you live in the Erie area, we will be doing a seminar called “Portable Communication Devices in Home and School” on April 26 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Barber National Institute. For more information on seminars on April, visit BarberInsitute.org/autismmonth.
He loves the Pocket Pond:) Thanks for the recommendation. We don’t live in the USA or we’d definitely check out the seminar.
Cyn, is this your email address: cdourasoff@hotmail.com? I can scan you the handouts after the presentation.
Thank You
Yes it is:) Thank you so much for going to the trouble. I really appreciate it! My son’s school that specializes in developmental challenges just had 3 iPads donated to them and his teacher has taken it upon herself to teach him how to use a speech augmentation app. The public school he goes to is still working on creating a communication booklet (hard copy) and then teaching him to use that before they go down the “device road.”
Great information, Maureen! I will share it with others.
Sallie, we’re doing a seminar on “Portable Communication Devices in Home and School” on April 26 from 5-6:30 p.m.. Please tell your friends. Ryan was so fortunate to have you as a teacher.