iPad apps for Autism

iPads apps can be used for communication, learning and entertainment. Some of the apps I list below can be fun and useful for people who don't have autism, so take a look. I owe what I know to Dawn Ferrer, SLP, of Morning2Moonproductions, co-author of the That's Silly app, whose lecture/demonstration I attended recently. Before we even go into the apps themselves:

• Consider protecting the iPad with a very strong rubber cover, preferably with a strap that will allow you to hold it, rather than hand it over. Gumdrop is one such cover. 
• Dawn recommends holding the iPad by your face, so that when you move the iPad away, eye contact may be maintained. 
• If you buy an app you can use it on up to 5 devices that you own. Some of these apps can be used on iPhones and other devices.
• An iPad can be used for communication through pointing, as well as for learning various skills. Take note, however, that communicating through sign language tends to transition to verbal communication more easily than communication by pointing does. 
• Moms with Apps is a blog that supports family friendly developers. Every Friday is app Friday, and often several apps are offered free or at a reduced price.
• Autism Apps lists various relevant apps by categories and makes recommendations. It is not comprehensive, but it is searchable 
• In addition to the list below, consider looking up learning to sign using apps.

And now to some recommended applications

• Image Finder allows you to search for images, which you can use then for discussion, comparisons and description. Best if you do the scrolling and choosing. Even when you set the program to prevent inappropriate images from showing up, there could always be some that you'd rather not share with your child/client.
• Mytalk, for communication using images and recorded words and phrases.
• Special Stories - which allows you to put together quickly a series of images with text and sound. It can be used to work on routines or explore an event as it happens: take a couple of pictures with the iPad, add to them a written sentence and a short recording, and voilà, you've got a motivating social story.  
• Cake Doodle by Shoe the Goose allows you to "Make a cake" on your iPhone or iPad (much less messy than in your kitchen). It has sounds but they don't tend to be overstimulating. Different hand movements are required to grate, sift, squeeze etc. 
• Speech Tutor - is a fascinating app with an animated mouth demonstrated what needs to be done to create a particular sound.  
• I Write Words - to work on handwriting
• Dexteria - a set of hand exercises to enhance fine motor skill development and promote handwriting readiness. 
• Use Eric Sailers apps for speech 
• Geek SLP has good apps for language development, as well as interviews and info about free apps.
• The Buddy Bear series from Iinguisystems addresses categories, basic questions, comparatives/superlatives, opposites and other language topics. These apps are rather expensive, however.
• My first AAC is a communication application for toddlers and preschoolers with delayed speech or severe speech disorders.
• Toca Boca, which are Swedish apps, are excellent. Toca Band allows you to play with sounds (it's really funny. Watch their trailer). Toca Store is another recommended one. Toca Boca often announced freebees. 
• Watch mouth movements while singing Happy Birthday and other familiar songs in Vast 1 Songs, 
• AppMATes are toys that interact with the iPad. They support finger grasp and other skills. They seem to be cheaper at Target.com - 2 for $10.40
• Hamaguchi has fantastic apps for language development. 
• Speech with Milo, which can be used with or without music (I liked it better without) can be used for first phrases.