Finding apps for Autism Spectrum Disorders can be overwhelming. There are so many different options and recommendations. It is difficult for both families and professionals to decide which to choose and how to invest your time and money. Apps can be great tools for teaching as all children are naturally interested in using electronic devices.
A wonderful resource for finding apps is a website called Touch Autism. Touch Autism is a site developed by Jenny W. Krones, MA, BCBA (board certified behavior analyst) and Tom Krones (a web developer). This site provides a list of apps the Krones’ have created, a description of each, the price and where to find it as well as a visual example of the app. The site also posts reviews of various apps from other developers. You are able to search for an app by name or by category. Touch Autism has a newsletter you can subscribe to for up to date information on new apps, giveaways and other announcements.
Another great website that can be used as a resource for information on apps and all types of media is Common Sense Media www.commonsense.org. More than 80,000 apps are listed as educational but there is not a system to evaluate their quality. Common Sense Media reviews age-appropriate apps, games and programs to help parents make informed choices.
As will all activities involving electronic devices, limiting time of use is important as it can take away from time being physically active and also time to interact with others. Another important factor to consider with electronic devices is good sleep hygiene. To promote good sleep hygiene, make sure your child is not using electronics at least an hour before bedtime.