# What apps help autistic kids? A guide by need

> Apps for routines, communication, social stories, reading and speech practice, and how to keep screen time helpful.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/apps-for-autistic-kids
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-29

**Short answer:** The most useful apps for autistic kids are tools, not games: visual schedule and first-then apps for routines, AAC apps for communication, social story apps for new situations, and some reading and speech practice apps. Choose by your child's need, ask their speech therapist before choosing an AAC app, and keep tool apps separate from play so the tablet isn't only for entertainment.

**Key takeaways**
- The most useful apps are **tools**, not games.
- Choose by **need**: routines, communication, stories, reading, speech.
- Ask a **speech therapist** before choosing an AAC app.
- Keep **tool apps** separate from **play**.

## Which apps fit which need?

| Need | Examples | Price to download |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Routines and transitions | The Autism Kit (First and Then Visual Schedule), Choiceworks, First-Then | Free with subscription; $39.99; free |
| Communication (AAC) | Proloquo2Go, TouchChat HD, LAMP Words For Life, Avaz AAC, CoughDrop | $249.99; $299.99; $299.99; free; free |
| Social stories | Social Story Creator & Library | Free |
| Early reading | Endless Reader | Free |
| Speech practice | Speech Blubs | Free |

Visual supports and AAC both help many autistic children.[1][2] AAC apps like Proloquo2Go are full communication systems, and are usually chosen with a speech-language pathologist.[3]

## How do I keep apps helpful?

**Try:**
- One app per job
- Your child's own photos
- Communication apps always available
- Trying free versions first

**Skip:**
- Apps full of ads
- Taking away an AAC device as a consequence
- Downloading lots of apps at once

**Set up the iPad.** Apple's Guided Access can lock the iPad to one app during routines. See [How do I set up an iPad for my autistic
  child?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/ipad-apps-for-autism)

Free printable: [Free printable: starter pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/starter-pack.pdf)

## What can I try this week?

- [ ] Pick the one need that matters most
- [ ] Try one app for it
- [ ] Ask your SLP about AAC

## Common questions

### Should my child use the same tablet for games and communication?

Many families keep a communication device or app available at all times and separate from games, so it's always there when needed.

### Which AAC app is best?

It depends on your child. A speech-language pathologist can assess and help you choose.

### How much screen time is OK?

Tool apps like schedules and AAC aren't the same as entertainment. For play, follow your pediatrician's guidance.

## Sources

1. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Augmentative and alternative communication. https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/aac/
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf
3. Apple App Store: Proloquo2Go AAC (AssistiveWare). https://apps.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go-aac/id308368164

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.