February 1, 2024

8 Great Apps for Kids with Autism

Parents often ask me if I have suggestions for applications to download on their iPads, iPhones or other devices for their children. I do!

Parents often ask me if I have suggestions for applications to download on their iPads, iPhones or other devices for their children.  I do!  I have TONS of apps that I use in my work with children with Autism daily.

  1. 123 Token Me– This app is a visual token board that can be used for one child (free version) or unlimited children and unlimited behaviors ($9.99).  This app gives you the versatility to choose background color, various token choices, and graphs and visually displays data for you. This is the most motivating token board I have used with my kids because it is interactive.  Also, one of the token options shows a picture of the child, which they all love!
  2. First Then Visual Schedule HD– This app is 2 applications put into one; it is both a visual schedule and a choice board.  It allows you to show the child “first ___, then ____.” with the ability to make choices from a visual field.  It also allows you to make more complex, multiple-step, visual schedules.  It is a bit on the pricey side at $14.99 but totally worth it if your child struggles to make choices verbally or would benefit from a visual schedule.  It is much easier to carry around than a paper schedule or choice board, because you can update it on the fly using the camera function or Google images.
  3. Duck Duck Moose, Inc.- (includes Wheels on the Bus, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, Old MacDonald and many more).  All of the Duck Duck Moose apps are a big hit with all the kiddos I work with as they are interactive, the characters move, jump and dance, and they all play familiar kid’s songs.  The apps range in price from free versions up to $3.99 each.
  4. Visual Timer- Search “visual timer” in the app store and choose VisTimerFree or VisTimer ($.99).  Both versions show a circle slowly decreasing in the color of your choice, along with various sounds to choose for early warnings and end times.  The paid version allows you to set the timer for up to 24 hours, while the free version only allows up to 5 minutes. This app provides a great visual for kids to see the circle decreasing.  Once the color is gone, their time is up!
  5. Peekaboo Barn– Showcases a barn full of animals that pop out one at a time and make noises.  Children can guess which animal is coming next, learn names of the animals and learn animal sounds.  The full version is $.99.
  6. Dora’s Great Big World– This app is packed with games that focus on school-readiness including literacy, math and science! Boys and girls alike love this game! It runs $2.99 for iPhone and $5.99 for iPad.
  7. Thomas and Friends Engine Activity Fun– This free app offers puzzles, coloring pages, and memory games to play featuring all of your favorite Thomas friends!
  8. Mr. Potato Head Create and Play– For $2.99 you can customize Mr. Potato Head in over 200 combinations!  You can teach children to play functionally or foster their creativity and allow them to make funny faces or put a mouth where his hand should be!

Stay tuned for more of my favorite apps for language, early learners, executive functioning, reading, math, vocabulary, sensory stimulation and more!  To read about our top 10 speech and language apps, click here!

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Success looks different for every child... But we bet we have a story that matches your child's needs. Like James, who started with us as non-speaking and lacking the ability to initiate and maintain social interactions. Today, he can speak complete sentences, clearly state his needs, and navigate social interactions with his friends!

Our infant daughter was in physical therapy with Anna Zahn for about five months.  Anna was consistent, patient, and wonderful with our daughter.  Anna was also clear in her communications with us as parents which helped us understand our daughter's progress and needs, as well as how we could help our daughter at home.  While we are proud that our daughter graduated PT, we will miss Anna's warmth and kindness.

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Maria Di Rita

I cannot say enough nice things about the staff! My son worked with Khadija as his ABA therapist and is finishing up this week with his OT, Sabrina. They were really instrumental in helping us navigate a new diagnosis. Both were so easy to approach with questions. From Leeann at the front desk to the RBTs (Alex, Rabbia, Molly, and many others), we always felt so welcomed. It seems like the staff genuinely enjoy their jobs, consistently offering feedback and suggestions on how to help my son.

Jennifer Peyer

We have been working with the amazing team at NSPT for many years. They have been essential in understanding and supporting our child. I recommend their services to anyone looking for their specific type of support.Posted to

Monica Terése Carranza

They are so sweet and kinds persons with professionalism and really worried about the kids and how help they to get new skills and moving forward with knowledge.

Alejandra M.

NSPT is fantastic! All of the staff are wonderful, accomodating, and make you feel welcome and comfortable. Alan is fantastic - he has helped our family tremendously and has such patience and purpose in everything he does.

Alex Ehrhardt

North Shore Pediatric Therapy has been amazing.  They have done a great job adjusting to the specific needs of my autistic child.

Matt Nakanishi

My 12 yr old son has a lovely support team in Robert (Social Work) and Lindsay (OT)! He gains so much from his sessions & I gain so much from the communication and brainstorming! Thanks!

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