Screen time frequently gets a bad reputation. However, in today's technological age, with phones, tablets, computers, and TV screens all around us, it is almost impossible to avoid it. It can be challenging to ignore and difficult to keep our kids away from these resources. Many parents recognise it can also come to the rescue for those who require a little break, and even more so for kids on the autism spectrum who use it to communicate and relax.
While excessive screen time can be a problem, avoid allowing the stigma of screen time to affect you if it plays a function in and around your home. Beyond YouTube and "meaningless" games, there are a variety of approaches to integrate learning and enjoyment into their tablet time. There are a plethora of apps available that are interactive, educational, and entertaining as well.
To encourage more productive screen time, here is a selection of apps for your phone or tablet that can keep your child engaged and active as well as a few to develop their independence around everyday tasks and conditions. Most are not autism-specific, nor are they designed to replace therapy, but rather to assist your family on your journey by providing resources to help cultivate skills such as communication, social skills, motor skills, and problem-solving.
Just like therapy, this is not a one-size-fits-all list. Do take the time to explore the apps on your own before selecting the ones that best suit the needs, interests, and skills of your child.
Pokémon Smile
This is one of those apps you will wish you knew about earlier. The app's feature of sending reminders to children reminding them when to brush their teeth is ideal for parents. It also has options to set a timer for the desired duration! As a result, your child will enjoy honing this fundamental skill with the help of this entertaining game as they will be saving Pokémon from bacteria that causes cavities. When they brush frequently, they are also rewarded with cute and comical Pokémon filters that appear on their head to let them take goofy pictures of themselves. As such, motivating your child to continue with this oral health hygiene routine.
2. ABC Kids - Tracing & Phonics
This educational app features adorable, encouraging characters that will help children learn to identify and trace letters, work on sounds from A to Z, and much more. Children enjoy it as it is packed with colourful graphics, fun mini games, creative stickers and gift rewards. Parents appreciate it as there are no in-app purchases or advertisements, and it is completely free.
If you use TikTok, you may already be familiar with this app. In this competitive game, kids have a blast competing to be the fastest racer to cross the finish line. Players compete on a huge, fast-moving water slide instead of a typical racetrack before plunging into the water. Players of various ages and developmental stages can play due to the game's straightforward controls. It not only serves as a fantastic reinforcer for kids, but it also motivates them to practise their fine motor skills. Although the app is free, it features in-app purchases and advertisements, thus it is best used under supervision.
4. iCreate… Social Skills Stories
Many children benefit from social stories, which can educate them what to expect and how to interact in a variety of social situations. For a low cost, this app allows parents and clinicians to combine visual, audio and text to craft their own story books with unlimited pages. All steps and storylines can be reorganised and personalised, including the option to import personal photos.
5. First Then Visual Schedule HD
Does your child respond well to visual schedules and first-then boards? With the help of this app, your family can easily access audio-visual representations of routines, activities, sequences, and transitions while on the go. It offers the ability to create and use visual support for everyday tasks and brand-new experiences, such as “first, brush teeth, then eat breakfast” with steps that can be completed with check marks. The objective is to assist people with autism and other challenges who benefit from a structured setting in becoming more independent and lowering their anxiety in certain situations.
6. GoTalk NOW LITE
For children and individuals who are nonverbal or have communication challenges who do not already use an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device but are interested to explore utilising one as a support resource, this free version is a wonderful option. It is a versatile, user-friendly tool that families and therapists who use it say helps with communication. It features customised navigation, recorded and text-to-speech capabilities, adjustable page layouts, and an integrated symbol set—all vital components of an effective AAC app. It also allows users to create three personalised communication pages for more personalization before committing to a more advanced AAC device or app.
7. Starfall
If preparing for school is a goal for your child, Starfall is a fantastic alternative for school preparedness. Through interactive games, songs, rhymes, and other digital activities, the app covers reading, colours, phonics, maths, music, and social-emotional development. There are different academic levels, starting with the skills and topics that children may encounter in pre-kindergarten classes. The app is free and is sometimes utilised by schools to keep students motivated.
8. GoNoodle
Although there are other ways to access GoNoodle, we favour the video app alternatives as they are simpler for children to operate. This app is a little different from the others on our list as it focuses on the physical health, mental wellness, and self-discovery of children and their families. It offers enjoyable activities such as stretching, dancing, and breathing exercises. Additionally, routines designed to assist children in waking up and going to bed. We adore it because it encourages body awareness, coordination, gross motor skills, cross-lateral skills, and more while providing a more active way to utilise screen time.
As you might already know, apps are not a substitute for therapy. Hence, we are here to meet you and your child wherever you are on your autism journey. For more strategies and support around learning and developing key foundational, social, and communication skills, do reach out to us. We at Healis Autism Centre have Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy experts to support your child’s growth and development to lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
Written by: Hanyu
Disclaimer: It is important to note that our organisation does not receive any compensation or financial incentives for the recommendations provided in this article.
References
Patel, G. (2012, June 19). I create... Social Skills Stories. Teachers With Apps. https://www.teacherswithapps.com/i-create-social-skills-stories/
Gonoodle review for teachers. Common Sense Education. (n.d.). https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/gonoodle
Starfall review for teachers. Common Sense Education. (n.d.). https://www.commonsense.org/education/reviews/starfall#:~:text=Though%20at%20times%20the%20user,%2C%20or%20sound%2C%20in%20words
Bogart, L. (2021, November 11). Best apps for autism: 12 apps for development and skill-building. Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center. https://www.hopebridge.com/blog/best-apps-for-autism/
Go Talk now app review. Common Sense Media. (n.d.). https://www.commonsensemedia.org/app-reviews/go-talk-now
FTVSHD: First then HD. Exceptional apps for exceptional people. (n.d.). https://www.goodkarmaapplications.com/ftvshd-first-then-hd.html